The Allan Labor Government is helping to fast-track the clean up of storm debris in Mirboo North and ensure the benefits of any valuable green waste that's recovered are passed on to the local community.
Emergency services have been on the ground since the storms on February 13, removing fallen and hazardous trees, opening roads and supporting the restoration of critical infrastructure. Now, the huge volumes of debris collected and stored is reaching capacity and action is needed to process it.
Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos today announced extra facilities will be established to process storm debris and that all proceeds from the sale of any by-products will be invested back into the community.
Emergency Recovery Victoria will establish up to eight new facilities across South Gippsland in partnership with local Councils. These facilities are expected to process more than 300 tonnes of sawlog, 3000 tonnes of firewood and fine green waste that can make 4000 cubic metres of mulch.
This work will be coordinated by the Clean-up Recovery Taskforce and ensure nothing goes to waste, with green waste reused and turned into products like firewood and mulch. Any profits generated from the sale of these products will be reinvested in the community through the Mirboo North and District Community Foundation.
The Mirboo North and District Community Foundation is a community run organisation that provides funding forlocal initiatives and not-for-profit organisations as well as making funds available for community members in need.
DEECA is working with mills and forest contractors to ensure that high value timber and other green waste can be processed locally.
Storm impacted locals can still dispose of their green waste without charge, courtesy of gate fee rebates and the waiving of waste levy fees at local processing sites.
For more information, visit vic.gov.au/recovery-support.
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
"We've provided immediate support to help clean up storm-affected areas and will ensure all the profits generated from the sale of green waste by-products like firewood are reinvested into the Mirboo North community."
"As we continue the clean up of storm debris on public land we will ensure we are reducing the risk of bushfire while protecting trees that provide important habitat to native animals."
As stated by Acting Minister for Emergency Services Enver Erdogan
"Our new facilities will create extra capacity to manage the surge in green waste across the state for the next six months and set a new standard for how we manage green waste following storms."
