By Peter Douglas
THE 9 October windstorm in the Yarra Ranges has pushed the Emerald SES Unit to become one of busiest in Victoria.
For the unit, last month ended with 581 requests for assistance, with the annual total to October hitting 1274 requests.
Just on its own, the windstorm resulted in 402 requests for assistance, after 120km/h hour winds hit the region in one of the largest storm events to hit in decades.
Emerald SES Unit Controller, Ben Owen, has paid tribute to all the groups who showed their support, as well as acknowledged the many messages of support.
“It really was a combined emergency services effort to clear the hills and get them back to working normally again, he said.
“Emerald Emergency Support Group, along with the local unit’s auxiliary members, fed the weary troops over 500 meals during the extended clean-up period.”
Mr Owen said the plaudits they received were appreciated by those who assisted, and continue to assist, including the volunteers from Emerald and other units, SES units from Gippsland; as well as CFA, MFB and DELWP.
Mr Owen said the lack of facilities at Emerald had proven a challenge during this time.
“(We achieved) all of this out of a building that is falling down around our ears,” he said.
“Members gave up two days to reconform the truck bay doors so that we could get vehicles out.
“The rolling mechanism had worn out and the door needed three people to slide it open.
“This, however, has led to gaps in the doors which let in the weather.”
Meanwhile, Yarra Ranges Shire has admitted this year’s fire preparations will be a challenge for many residents, but encouraged landowners to try to reduce their bushfire risk.
Yarra Ranges Shire Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Patterson, said there were options to assist residents.
“The storm destroyed 31 homes, damaged countless more, and also spread piles of green waste and tree debris across the municipality,” he said.
“Council’s bundled branch collection, beginning 28 November, will certainly assist residents to clear small branches and debris, but will not have the capacity to collect larger tree material.”
Mr Patterson said council was asking residents who were struggling to clear their properties of tree debris to call the shire on 1300 368 333.
He said the shire might be able to offer some assistance.
For more information on storm recovery, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
