Michaela Meade
Sunbury residents should expect delays in storm clean up efforts, as Hume council struggles to respond to thousands of requests across the municipality.
More than 2200 clean up requests were received following the October 29 windstorm for Hume, with council reporting that clean up will continue “well into December”.
Craigieburn and Sunbury were the hardest hit Hume suburbs.
According to council data, nearly 1280 of all requests were related to tree damage.
SES Sunbury responded to more than 100 calls for assistance in the 24 hours following the wild weather.
SES Sunbury spokesperson Jarrod Bell said the volume of calls for assistance was the highest the unit had received in a 24 hour period for a number of years.
Mayor Carly Moore said the council asked for the community to continue to be patient.
“We understand the devastation and frustration the recent storm has created across Hume city, and we thank our community for their patience as we work through the clean-up of trees on footpaths, roads and in parks as quickly as possible,” Cr Moore said.
“Hume City Council spans approximately 504 square kilometres meaning our clean-up job is significant.
“The scale of the impact from this storm is unlike anything we’ve seen before, and we expect that it will take a significant time to clean up.
“Please be assured that our team are working as quickly as we can, with the support of contractors, to make our way through all 2200 requests received.
“Our main priority is the removal of trees and other debris from roads, footpaths and other areas to ensure the safety of our community.”
If a resident notices a fallen tree, branch or fence on a road or footpath that poses a risk to the community, they should contact council, officers said.
Storm damage on public land can be reported online.
Details: 9205 2200 or www.hume.vic.gov.au/reportanissue
