By Jodie Symonds
A NEW storm recovery clean-up campaign has been launched by council following the devastating storms that ripped through the state and left thousands of homes without power in October.
Between 5-18 December, volunteers will be on hand to support residents unable to relocate storm debris from their properties.
The Storm Clean Up campaign aims to encourage residents to help one another to remove storm debris and utilise the debris pick-up service.
It follows the storm that broke on Sunday 9 October where winds of up to 120km/h lashed the state and destroyed more than 36 homes.
The storm caused widespread damage to houses and powerlines, leaving thousands of homes without power.
The initiative, supported by SES, Victoria Police, CFA and council is not only focused on residents cleaning up their properties in storm debris, but also checking in with neighbours to ensure those that need support are connected with a helping hand.
When cleaning up, the campaign asks community members to take care when using chainsaws or other equipment and to make sure the appropriate protective wear is worn.
Property owners involved in the clean-up program are required to place debris in neat piles on the nature strip.
This is a separate campaign to the annual bundled collection pick up and the campaign asks owners to limit materials only to storm-related tree debris.
Residents who are elderly, have a disability or consider themselves to have exceptional circumstances are urged to call the Storm Clean Up team on 9294 6363 between 9am-5pm.
For more information on the State Government funded initiative, visit www.stormcleanup.com.au
