Macedon Ranges Shire Council wishes to advise residents of assistance measures available, and to update the community regarding recovery and prevention works being undertaken by Council ahead of the forecast wet weather.
Council is currently working with approximately 21 flood-impacted households and businesses across the shire to ensure they are well supported, noting that we anticipate this number may change.
Darraweit Guim in the east of the shire was the hardest hit town, with up to 15 houses inundated by floodwaters resulting in significant damage.
Council is supporting these residents with clean-up efforts, including delivering skips, portable toilets, showers and drinking water to the township on Monday. Council is also conducting septic tank inspections and working closely with partner agencies to ensure that families are looked after and have what they need.
Repairing roads in Darraweit Guim has been a focus for Council—an example being Darraweit Valley Rd which was severely damaged. These repairs will allow local residents to use the road until longer term improvements can be made.
All affected residents can access Council Transfer Stations to dispose of household waste for free upon presentation of their licence. Temporary extended opening hours have been arranged until 27 October. Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/transfer-stations or call 5422 0333 for more information.
Council's maintenance team has been busy inspecting roads around the shire for damage. From last week's floods, a total of 44 roads were closed, with 32 roads now open.
Residents can expect to see 'water over road' signs remaining around the shire in the coming days, as staff prioritise work on roads that are still closed, conducting road inspections and following up on reports of damage.
In anticipation of more rain later this week and over the weekend, an eductor truck has been deployed to ensure drains are cleaned and working efficiently.
Council has also been inspecting parks and reserves to ensure playgrounds, tables and other equipment is safe. At least 19 reserves received damaged and most are open and signs and barricades are up to indicate where there is repair or replacement needed.
Council's CEO Bernie O'Sullivan is urging residents to have a flood plan in place, stay safe and contact Council to register for support if impacted by the floods.
"Safety is first and foremost the priority here. We are updating our website with current updates and will be posting to our social media channels regularly. We are asking the community to keep an eye out for each other and help update anyone who may not have access to these channels."
"We will be monitoring the situation closely over the coming days and taking action where we can to keep our community safe. We expect clean-up and recovery efforts to take time and are asking for patience while we work through this," said Mr O'Sullivan.
- If you are flood affected please contact Council on 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/flood
- Please call Vic SES in an emergency 132 500, or 000 if life threatening.
- Keep an eye on updates via the Bureau of Meteorology, refer to the relevant emergency apps, and have a flood plan in place.
