Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Emergency callouts keep Outdoor Maintenance Unit busyData collected from Latrobe City’s Outdoor Maintenance Unit over the past three months has shown a significantly large number of emergency callouts to deal with fallen trees and branches over an unusually windy period. By Latrobe City Council - 7th November 2003 - Back to News Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss said there had been 123 callouts for the year to date, and 53 of these had been received in the last three months.
"On one very bad day, there were 13 callouts, with a gigantic fifty-metre mountain ash falling on the Grand Ridge Road near Boolarra at 4.30pm on a Friday afternoon adding to the already hectic day. That was very challenging for the Tree Crew," Cr Middlemiss said.
Latrobe City’s Parks Officer, John Ruyg said that traditionally, August, September and October were the windy months for the area, but this season had been exceptional.
"Many parks and reserves throughout the municipality have been affected by either fallen limbs or entire trees coming down. This will take some time to clear up because the recent rain has soaked the soil, making it very difficult to access the areas with the required machinery. Clean up works are expected to take until the middle of November, and that is providing we get a few sunny days to dry out the soil," Mr Ruyg explained.
Cr Middlemiss added that Latrobe City Council is responsible for over three-million trees along rural roadsides and over 70,000 trees within urban areas.
"The Outdoor Maintenance Unit does a great job looking after these trees and conducts the after-hours service with pride and determination in often very difficult conditions.
"Should the windy weather continue, I urge residents to take care when walking or driving. Trees can cause serious damage to both persons and assets with around 100 deaths per year due to falling trees in Victoria alone," Cr Middlemiss concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

Related Articles- Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - 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. - Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection. - 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 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 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 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. - 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. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - Gippsland Water reappoints Sarah Cumming as Managing Director, extending leadership and community commitment until 2030
Gippsland Water has reappointed Sarah Cumming as managing director until 2030, recognising her transformative leadership, strong community focus, and proven results, as the organisation enters a pivotal period of growth and change. - East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
|
|