Tonnes of waste removed from streets post flood event
Published on 20 October 2022
More than 350 tonnes (1,000 cubic metres) of hard waste has been collected as the clean-up continues in Maribyrnong – with still more pick-ups to come.
Materials for disposal have been stockpiled on nature strips by residents from more than 200 properties impacted when the Maribyrnong River breached its banks early Friday morning.
The roads and footpaths had to be cleared of silt before the collection could begin, but with the assistance of neighbouring authorities with machinery and equipment, Council has had trucks and bobcats working their way through impacted streets collecting waste since Monday. Given the volumes, there will be multiple visits to collect water damaged items, continuing on a rolling basis at least through this week.
All the hard waste collected is being sorted before appropriate disposal.
Council, with Red Cross and the Victorian Council of Churches, are also continuing to visit all impacted properties to better understand the impacts on individual properties and what is needed to make them habitable again.
The relief centre also remains open to provide support to residents. This includes access to computers and the internet and charging personal devices. Personal care packs, including a range of toiletries, are available for collection and Orange Sky Australia is providing a mobile laundry on site on Friday for residents to bring heavily soiled clothing and linen to be washed and dried.
With tonnes of silt and mud now cleared from impacted roads and footpaths, Council will be turning its attention to open spaces and sports fields from Footscray Wharf to Pipemakers Park, that were also inundated.
All areas and facilities will need to be assessed and a plan developed to support their clean-up to return them to the community. Facilities at Henry Turner North and South, Footscray Boating Club and Maribyrnong Reserve are among those closed to public use currently, until further notice.
Parks infrastructure, such as playgrounds, BBQ’s and picnic facilities along the Maribyrnong River Trail, including Newells Paddock, Footscray Park and Pipemakers Park, are also unable to be used until cleaning can be undertaken.
The relief centre at the Maribyrnong Community Centre is open between 9:00am and 5:00pm to provide ongoing assistance to residents.
Flood impacted residents can also email floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au with specific requests or concerns. This inbox is monitored weekdays 9am-5pm.
Maribyrnong News
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