Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Latrobe City calls for input into storm and review of flood response to learn lessons for next timeStorm and flood clean-up program funded by the government to provide service to property owners affected by storm and flooding without any cost. By news@gippsland - 7th July 2021 - Back to News Latrobe City Council will write to the Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Crisp APM calling for a review into the flood and storm event of 9 and 10 June 2021 to be broadened. At the 5 July Council Meeting, Council voted to request that the terms of reference of the review include an assessment of the adequacy of the emergency response, in addition to the mooted assessment of the notification and warnings system.
Free clean-up program covers the demolition and removal of any structures on eligible private properties that were destroyed or damaged beyond repair by the June 2021 storms and floods
Requested to be consulted
Council requested to be consulted in the development of the terms of reference and voted to write to Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) to ask for:
- Consideration of reimbursement options for residents who have incurred costs related to clearing access to and from private property due to the flood and storm.
- Recognition of the significant immediate and lasting impacts on many residents as a result of recent natural disasters
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said Council would work with all Victorian Government agencies to ensure adequate support is provided for the Latrobe City community and thanked front-line Council staff who supported the community in the emergency response.
Working with government
"Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said, "We are ready and committed to working collaboratively with government, agencies and community groups to ensure that the voice of our community is heard, the response and support of emergency agencies volunteers, and broader community members - mums and dads, and neighbours who dropped everything to help those at their time of need - has demonstrated true community spirit."
Experience as part of review process
Cr Sharon Gibson said, "It is important that the learnings from our community's experience is captured as part of the government's review process, and that key learnings are not only considered but result in change that will benefit the Latrobe City community and broader Victorians when it comes to alerting community and responding and supporting community during and post a natural disaster. We cannot lose this lesson."
"Our Chief Executive Officer has taken the time to express these views on behalf of Council and the community when he met with the Emergency Management Commissioner recently. It is important for our community, particularly those who have been directly impacted."
"To know that Council has and will continue to advocate strongly to all levels of government to ensure that not only a formal review is undertaken, but that a range of ongoing support packages are available to support in the recovery phase. Council welcomes support from the State and Federal governments to help the municipality recover from the flood and storm event, as announced this week."
Receive government support
Private property owners affected by the storm and flooding event will receive government support for:
- Clean-up of destroyed and damaged structures from the 9 and 10 June event at no cost. Structures can include residential homes and sheds, commercial buildings and other outbuildings
- Assessment of trees on private land that are still standing but have become dangerous because of the storm and flood event. Only trees that pose a risk to structures and personal safety will be eligible
- Assessment of trees that fell during the 9 and 10 June event
Cr Gibson urged people to consider their eligibility and apply to help fast-track their recovery. "The storm and flood event has resulted in significant stress and work for our community, and this relief from the State and Federal governments will go a long way to assisting our community, Council acknowledges the governments for coming to the aid of our community at its time of need." she said.
Insured or not
The Storm and Flood Clean-Up program is fully-funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments and provided at no cost to eligible property owners, regardless of whether they were insured or not. Initial funding of $55.5 million has been provided for the first phase of the program which will be delivered by BRV in partnership with Johns Lyng Group, Australia's largest disaster recovery specialist.
The program will work with local contractors to demolish, remove and dispose of structures that were destroyed or damaged beyond repair by the storms, including residential and commercial buildings. It also includes the removal of hazards such as dangerous trees that pose a threat to property or work crews, as well as vehicles that were damaged beyond repair.
Council acknowledges the State Government for providing $8.2 million to 10 councils - including Latrobe City - significantly affected by the flood and storm. The Council Support Fund will ensure councils have the recovery staff and expertise they need on the ground, and create dedicated local teams to coordinate and drive recovery efforts. The funding can be used to employ additional recovery staff, onboard specialist contractors and provide targeted training support to help local communities recover.
More information can be found on Latrobe City Council's website, storm and flood support.
Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening. - Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies. - Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025. - Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.
|
|
