"It has been an incredibly difficult week for many Baw Baw Shire communities, particularly in our northern townships and areas around Walhalla, Noojee, Tanjil Bren and Aberfeldy.
The damage of wind and flood has been significant, causing lengthy delays in power being restored, roads being reopened and crews gaining access to complete impact assessments.
Council is working around the clock alongside other agencies to get those assessments done. The process is very complicated because so many of the damaged assets – things like roads, bridges, campgrounds and carparks - belong to different agencies like Regional Roads Victoria, DELWP, Parks Victoria or the Catchment Management Authority.
Thankfully, much progress has been made and the various relevant authorities, including Council, are progressing towards completing their assessments so that the transition to recovery can take place and repair works can begin.
We want you to know that we’re moving as quickly as safety allows. We are aware that some people are suffering and the pace of progress can feel frustrating. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and there is lots of support available.
If you are struggling and need support now, you can find a variety of resources at the Red Cross ‘Looking After Yourself’ webpage, on the Baw Baw Shire Council’s ‘Get Help and Support’ webpage or by contacting Council directly by phone on 1300 229 229.
We also know that our affected communities have experience in dealing with these kinds of emergency events. As we move into the recovery phase, your input into recovery planning will be actively sought.
Community meetings are an important part of our forward planning and they will be organised when it is safe and feasible to do so. At this stage, however, it is too early to put a timeline on their when this may occur. We appreciate and thank you for your patience as the assessment, clean up and transition to recovery progresses."
- Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Councillor Danny Goss