ARBORISTS estimate it will take another two months to finish inspecting and assessing the health of trees damaged on the Mornington Peninsula in last month’s storms.
Mornington Peninsula Shire says it is still responding to “immediate and high-risk works” a month after that windy Friday 29 October.
It received more than 2500 requests for assistance involving fallen or damaged trees and tree debris. To cope with the demand, up to 12 teams, including sub-contractors, have been working seven days a week inspecting and removing trees and debris from roads, driveways, parks and reserves, sporting fields, community houses, pre-schools and camping grounds.
Excavators and tip trucks, and elevated work platforms up to 28 metres high, are being used.
Teams of specialist climbers use rope to tie and cut branches where mechanical equipment can’t be used.
An average of 200 cubic metres of mulch each day is being collected, which would fill a 25-metre swimming pool every second day.
General works at council-owned properties are reportedly being scheduled on a risk priority basis so the most-essential work is done soonest.
Crews are driving rural roads to report debris on the side of the road that needs clearing. This debris and works in parks and reserves will be attended to as soon as the high-risk works are finished.
“The scale of the clean up after the storm is massive, and we are asking our residents to be patient as we work through the hundreds of requests for tree and property inspections,” the mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said.
“Our number one priority will always be the safety of the community and our staff.
“I know many people have pitched in to help neighbours and local businesses with the recovery effort. I’m so proud of our community for their generosity, spirit and resilience.”
Foreshore campgrounds at Sorrento and Rye were due to open last weekend after tree inspections and works
An update on relief and recovery efforts will provided during an online session 5.30-7pm Thursday 2 December. Details: mornpen.vic.gov.au/stormrelief
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 30 November 2021
