Following the damaging storm that hit the Mornington Peninsula on 29 October, Mornington Peninsula Shire continues to respond to more than 2,500 requests for assistance regarding fallen or damaged trees and tree debris.
We know our community is anxious about the pace of works and what is being done to assist with the community relief and recovery after the storm.
Currently, the Shire has up to 12 teams, including additional sub-contractors, working up to seven days a week on tree inspections and removing trees and debris from roads, driveways, parks and reserves, sporting fields, community houses, preschools and camping grounds.
There is so much work to do that the arborists estimate it will take another two months to finish inspecting the reported trees.
Due to the amount of widespread damage, we are still responding to immediate and high-risk works three weeks after the storm.
Equipment such as excavators and tip trucks and elevated work platforms up to 28 metres high are being used along with teams of specialist climbers, who rope and cut branches where mechanical equipment can't be used.
Our tree teams are generating an average of 200 cubic metres of mulch each day – that's enough to fill a 25-metre swimming pool every second day.
We are scheduling the more general works at Council-owned properties on a risk priority basis and will work our way across the Peninsula as quickly as possible.
We are also driving rural roads to report debris on the side of the road that needs clearing. We will focus on removing this debris and works in our many parks and reserves as soon as the high-risk works are finished.
Reopening our foreshore campgrounds is also a priority, with Sorrento and Rye campgrounds due to open this Friday 26 November after full tree inspections and works.
To update the community on all relief and recovery efforts, we have organised community sessions at Red Hill on 29 November and Mount Eliza on 30 November, and an online session on 2 December.
There will be representatives from the Shire, United Energy and SES there to talk with residents about what happened in the days following the storm and the continuing recovery work. This is also a chance for the community to provide feedback on the emergency response and to raise any other needs or concerns.
We are continuing to work alongside other land managers, including VicRoads, Parks Vic and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to protect public safety and ensure parks, foreshores and other open spaces are ready for all to enjoy.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh
"The scale of the clean up after the storm is massive, and we are asking our residents to be patient as we work through the hundreds of requests for tree and property inspections.
"Works on both public and private property have been prioritised based on risk, and our teams are working flat out to ensure people and property are protected.
"Our number one priority will always be the safety of the community and our staff.
"I know many people have pitched in to help with the recovery effort - helping neighbours and local businesses. I'm so proud of our community for their generosity, spirit and resilience."
mornpen.vic.gov.au/stormrelief
Community information sessions
Red Hill Recreation Reserve
184 Arthurs Seat Road
Monday 29 November
5.30-7pm
Emil Madsen Reserve
261 Wooralla Drive, Mount Eliza
Tuesday 30 November
5.30-7pm
Online session
Thursday 2 December
5.30-7pm
mornpen.vic.gov.au/stormrelief
