Community updates about storm impacts, clean up and support services

With the worst of wind and storm conditions now passed, Council is focusing its efforts on the clean-up of damage, restoring Council services and providing support to those in the community most affected. 

On the morning of Monday 2 September in the wake of extremely damaging winds and storm conditions, over 26,000 homes across Baw Baw Shire were left without power. While many homes have had power restored, currently almost 10,000 homes remain without. 

A huge clean-up across the Shire is well underway. Council and contractors have been working closely with the State Emergency Service (SES) to work through the road network to clear trees and debris as a matter of priority. This work will continue until the road network is safe and clear. 

Many Council services remain impacted, and many support services are now available for those most affected.  

The following updates detail important information for the community: 

Council services impacted 

The following Council services remain impacted: 

• Council’s Transfer Stations are operating as normal. However, currently Lardner Transfer Station is being operated with a generator. Phone lines and EFTPOS machine are down, so only cash can be accepted. 

• Some scheduled bin collections have been missed due to road closures. Any missed services will be rescheduled for collection as soon as possible. 

• The Municipal Animal Pound remains without power and closed to the community. Council staff are onsite to ensure the comfort and warmth of animals in their care. 

Power and shower facilities 

The following facilities are now open and welcoming community members during open hours for either or both access to showers and WiFi/power to charge devices: 

• The Warragul Leisure Centre is open for both showers and access to WiFi and power. 

• Bellbird Park Indoor Centre in Drouin is open for both showers and access to WiFi and power. 

• The Warragul and Drouin Myli libraries are open with access to WiFi and power. 

• The Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe is accessible to the public and will be open from 5pm to 9pm tonight (Tuesday 3 September.) 

• The Moe Newborough Leisure Centre will reopen tomorrow (Wednesday 4 September) and be accessible to the public from 6am. 

• Council is working to open more facilities in rural and remote areas, however many of these areas remain without power. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on social media to see when more support centres become available.   

Maternal Child and Family Health Services 

• The Family and Children’s Services building on Normanby Street in Warragul remains closed without power. 

• The appointment text messaging reminder service is still down and anyone with appointments is encouraged to contact 5624 2540 to confirm. 

• Home visits will continue as scheduled where safe and possible. 

Spoiled food disposal 

• Residents affected by power outages with spoiled food that is unable to be safely disposed of in normal kerbside collections, can visit Council’s Lardner and Trafalgar Transfer Stations. One 80 litre bag of spoiled food will be accepted for free. 

• Residents requiring additional green waste disposal due to storm debris are encouraged to contact Council. 

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe said every town in Baw Baw Shire has been impacted by this wind and storm event. 

“In the last 36 hours, Council has received and attended to almost 500 tasks requiring assistance in all corners of the Shire. We still have not received the entire list of tasks due to the ongoing connectivity issues we're experiencing, particularly in the more remote areas of the Shire,” said Cr McCabe. 

“We have as many crews as possible, both Council and contractors, with chainsaws and excavators working hard to clear hazards. We are also in the process of setting up small support facilities where people can access showers, WiFi and power to charge their devices. There are multiple centres in Warragul and Drouin already, and we are working to open more throughout our smaller, more remote towns and communities.  

“In times like this, we see the importance of community and looking out for one another. Please be assured that Council is working hard to restore services and get out to all areas in our Shire to offer any assistance needed.”    

Residents who require further assistance with storm clean up or support are encouraged to contact SES on 132 500 or Council on 5624 2411. Alternatively, residents can fill in this online storm assistance form available on Council’s website.