By Tyler Wright
The state government’s decision to offer a free structural assessment, where eligible properties have had structures damaged or destroyed by flooding throughout the past few weeks, has been welcomed by Yarra Ranges Council with vans currently operating out of Upwey and Lilydale.
The information vans manned by Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) staff and contractors will be located at Eyrefield Park Lilydale and 4-6 Mahony Street Upwey from Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm and Saturday 8am to 12.30pm, according to Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Planning Design & Development Kath McClusky.
Staff will be able to answer questions, offer advice and organise structural assessments.
ERV contractors will then undertake an initial assessment of properties to identify hazards, understand the scope and type of work required (if any), confirm the cause of the damage and assign a priority category.
“All hazards posed by materials, power sources and hazardous trees must first be managed appropriately and safely. Once those have been addressed, clean-up work can begin as soon as possible,” a statement from ERV said.
Once an assessment has been conducted, a report will be provided to the property owner or small business owner and local council.
“Where the assessment determines that demolition is recommended, this may be co-ordinated with ERV regardless of whether the structure is insured,” the statement read.
“Flood-affected structures that are uninsured and deemed repairable through the structural assessment are eligible for the Structural Make-Safe Program.”
ERV confirmed on-site help for flood-impacted residents and business will be provided as long as this service is needed, and it will work with Yarra Ranges Council to track community need.
“This program is designed to eliminate risks flood-damaged structures may present to the health and safety of homeowners and residents, emergency services agencies, volunteer groups and clean-up providers.”
Ms McClusky said Yarra Ranges Council welcomes the presence of the state government’s information caravans, and the structural impact on businesses after recent flash flooding is “unknown” at this stage.
“The economic development team at Council is here to assist our local businesses navigate the various flood assistance packages currently open for affected businesses,” Ms McClusky said.
“The recent flooding was devastating for many of our businesses, and the impacts continue for businesses across the region. The economic development team at Council has been out on site to a number of the businesses across the impacted towns, providing information on support and offering assistance.”
A structural assessment can be booked directly with ERV via the Flood Recovery hotline on1800 560 760, online at www.vic.gov.au/2022-flood-recovery or in person at a clean-up hub.
The hotline can assist individuals, households and businesses impacted by the recent floods to access financial and other supports; clean-up registration; temporary accommodation; mental health and wellbeing support.
The Flood Recovery Hotline is open from 7.30am-7.30pm every day, with callers able to Press “9” for a translator.
Local businesses are also encouraged to stay in touch with Yarra Ranges Council’s Economic Development Team as recovery efforts proceed via business@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or 1300 368 333.
