Residents urged to drive with caution as Council assesses storm damage

Published on 15 June 2021

Council staff and contractors have worked around the clock to reopen local roads and assess damage to Walhalla and Noojee following significant storms last week. 

A full list of current road closures can be viewed here: Vicroads - VicTraffic

Walhalla has seen significant damage to public infrastructure, including the North Gardens campground. Further assessments will be conducted in both Walhalla and Noojee this week to determine the extent of the damage and required repairs to Council assets.

Council’s road maintenance contractor DM Roads has prioritised safely opening roads, which will be followed by an extended clean-up over the next few weeks. Inspections are now taking place across the road network with any repairs to be scheduled in addition to the routine maintenance program.

Some local roads remain closed due to flooding. These closures will continue to be monitored over the coming days as the water level drops and assessors can determine if repairs are required.

Residents are urged to never drive through floodwaters and to proceed with caution elsewhere as many roads may still be impacted by trees, branches, and debris.

Residents without power can access hot showers free of charge at the Warragul Leisure Centre.

If you would like to assist those impacted by the storms, financial donations are the quickest and most effective way to lend a helping hand. The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (www.gerf.org.au) and givit.org.au are taking donations now.

Whether you donate through GERF or GIVIT, 100 per cent of donated money is used to purchase exactly what’s needed – operational costs are covered by government contracts and corporate partners.

Authorities are encouraging people not to send unsolicited donations of goods or services into impacted areas at this time. If you’d like to make a non-financial donation, please visit givit.org.au - they capture all donation offers online, removing the need for impacted communities to receive, sort, store and dispose of donations they don’t need.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss:

“While our urban areas were relatively unscathed, Baw Baw’s rural communities have been significantly impacted by the storms. I encourage everyone to reconsider any unnecessary travel and drive safely as Council continues to clear roads and assess damage.

“We are aware that some roads will have been damaged by scouring or potholes. Larger scale repairs will be carried out on a priority basis over the next few weeks.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Leaney:

“Walhalla experienced flash flooding and significant damage to public infrastructure. Thankfully, few private assets were damaged. Regional Roads Victoria has closed Walhalla Road to the public as damage is assessed and slips repaired.   

“We are calling on Regional Roads Victoria and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority to prioritise repairs to their assets so that Walhalla can reopen and welcome visitors again after a difficult year of fires, pandemic restrictions and now floods.”