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Mayor’s messageMessage to the community from Latrobe City’s mayor, Councillor Ed Vermeulen, in response to the flood event this week By Ed Vermeulen - 8th June 2012 - Back to News As you will be aware, Latrobe City and the wider Gippsland region was affected by an east coast low that dumped a huge amount of rainfall in a short period of time between Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 June. Latrobe City Council is experienced in responding to these sorts of emergency situations and has supported the lead agency, the State Emergency Service, in responding to this event.
Latrobe City’s flood warning system was activated at 11pm on Monday 4 June, however it became apparent that the system did not work as expected. Latrobe City Council’s emergency management team requested that the SES activate the national emergency alert system which was supported by a door knock by the SES and CFA to advise all affected residents of the situation.
An emergency relief centre was set up at the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre in Traralgon to provide immediate assistance for those affected. Emergency accommodation was provided to 14 people and 6 pets.
From Council’s perspective, both during an emergency of this kind, and in the recovery phase, it is important to ensure that residents are kept abreast of information as it comes to hand. Throughout the emergency on Tuesday, information was available at the relief centre as well as via our webpage and social media channels, Facebook and Twitter; along with the webpages of the other agencies involved.
Council officers are undertaking an assessment of all impacted properties. Aside from the inundation to private property, there were some key community assets such as the Traralgon Recreation Reserve, Traralgon Tennis Complex, Agnes Brereton Reserve and Harold Preston Reserve which were hit hard by the floods. Council officers are working with the impacted tenants and users of these facilities to assist in clean up and getting the facilities back up and running. There may however be some interruptions to planned activities at these venues and we ask for the community’s patience during this time.
Council’s road crews have also responded in a timely manner to remove fallen trees and to assist with road closures and are ready to respond to further incidents as needed.
During the recovery phase we will continue to work with residents to provide them with support and advice they may require to clean up and move back into their properties.
Council will also be investigating the flood warning system, and will be working with the provider to identify what has occurred. The community will be kept informed as to the outcome of this investigation.
I would like to commend you, the Latrobe City community for the way in which you responded to the flood emergency. With social media, you were able to share information, as the situation developed. Many of you put up with the inconvenience of road closures or changed or cancelled bus services with little complaint, realising that the major concern lies with those whose homes have been inundated.
I would also like to commend the teams both from Council and other agencies who worked tirelessly through the emergency to ensure the safety and comfort of the community and who continue to work towards a satisfactory outcome for those most affected.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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