Cardinia Shire welcomes support for storm-affected communities

If your home was damaged by the February storm event and you are either uninsured or under-insured, you may be eligible for clean-up support. Information, including eligibility criteria and registration form, can be found on Emergency Recovery Victoria’s website.   

The severe storm event on 13 February resulted in significant storm damage across Cardinia Shire, with the worst-affected areas including Clematis, Emerald, Avonsleigh, Cockatoo and Gembrook.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said Council welcomed clean-up support for storm-affected residents in Cardinia Shire.

“Storm-affected residents in Cardinia Shire have been doing it tough, many having experienced significant challenges such as damage to their homes and properties, fallen trees and branches, power and mobile phone reception outages, fuel shortages and water supply issues, as well as loss of food and income,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

“The announcement of clean-up support is good news and will no doubt be welcomed by our storm-affected communities in Cardinia as they embark on the recovery journey.”

Mayor Kowarzik said Council was continuing to do everything that it could to support storm-affected residents in the shire.

“Immediately following the storm, we opened relief centres at Emerald and Cockatoo where affected residents could access showers, power and fresh water, report issues to Council and get information and referrals for support,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

“We’ve also rolled out a mobile outreach program that has been visiting storm-affected communities across the shire to provide information and referrals for support, and to answer any questions people may have. In the first two days of this program, we had close to 150 people stop by to chat to our team.”

Mayor Kowarzik said Council was also working closely with its contractors to prioritise clean-up works on Council-managed land across the shire.

“Our teams are working hard to clear trees that are on Council roadsides or that have fallen in public spaces, parks and reserves, as well as branches overhanging paths and roads and in townships.

“Community safety remains our number one priority, so works are being scheduled based on community safety and need, with the most urgent works being undertaken first.

“To support storm-affected residents in cleaning up their properties, we are offering a number of additional options for them to dispose of green waste from their properties, but many are still struggling to clear their properties of larger trees and debris.”

To learn more about Emergency Recovery Victoria’s clean-up support, including eligibility and how to apply, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/clean-support-storm-damaged-homes

For more information and updates from Council on storm relief and recovery support, visit Council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/stormrecovery