Private property clean up
Government organisation Bushfire Recovery Victoria have provided $650,000 in funding to be shared between Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire Council to continue community clean up for vulnerable residents on private property.
The funding is part of a $2 million state-wide community clean up support fund, which is designed to support local councils and not-for-profit community groups to connect known vulnerable residents with volunteer groups who may be able to undertake small storm clean up work.
Under the funding, Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia will partner with and support volunteer clean-up groups, Habitat for Humanity Victoria and Treasuring Our Trees – two local volunteer organisations specialising in disaster recovery.
The support will also enable critical training opportunities and equipment purchases to strengthen community preparedness and resilience following unexpected disaster events for up to 10 other groups. This will include things like chainsaw training.
Cardinia Shire Council and Yarra Ranges Council is currently working through the process and plan with volunteer agencies, and further information will be provided soon regarding the private property-clean-up program.
For now if you require help removing storm debris to be removed from your property please contact Sue Jack, Recovery Centre & Outreach Coordinator on 0477 056 265.
Please note that every property is different and will be managed on a case-by-case basis and that volunteer organisations may not have scope to remove large storm material and debris and that this funding is only for vulnerable and at-risk residents who may be unable to undertake the clean-up on their property themselves.
Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for humanity is running volunteer days helping vulnerable to tidy their properties. This includes minor repairs and cutting up and removal of tree debris, the homeowners are unable to do these tasks themselves due to factors beyond their control.
Habitat for Humanity is a not for profit organisation that relies on volunteers.
So that they can continue to undertake this important work, Habitat for Humanity is calling on neighbouring Yarra Ranges and Maroondah community members to help clean up storm debris. Volunteers can choose how often and what days they are able to contribute.
Habitat for Humanity provide training to all their volunteers and if you would like to contribute and assist in the private property clean up visit: www.habitat.org/ap/volunteer
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get help removing storm debris from my property?
Cardinia Shire Council and Yarra Ranges Council is currently working through the process and plan with volunteer agencies, and further information will be provided soon regarding the private property- clean-up program.
For now if you require help removing storm debris from your property please contact Sue Jack, Recovery Centre & Outreach Coordinator on 0477 056 265.
What material can be removed?
The program will assist vulnerable and at risk communities in the clean-up of storm debris on their properties from the June 2021 storm only.
Unfortunately, some material may be unable to be removed, due to the capacity of volunteer organisations.
For further information around this contact: Sue Jack, Recovery Centre & Outreach Coordinator on 0477 056 265.
Who are Habitat for Humanity Victoria ?
Habitat for Humanity Victoria is a volunteer organisation who launched a storm recovery program assisting vulnerable homeowners to clean up their properties by cutting and removing fallen trees, clearing debris and conducting minor home repair.
Since the storm they have received over 100 requests for help and have undertaken over 40 storm-related volunteer days.
Who are Treasuring our Trees?
Treasuring our Trees was founded by David Ferrier, a local qualified arborist. This group, ably led by David has connected with a number of schools in the area and is focussed on salvaging and repurposing as much timber as possible, together with education around sustainability.
This funding will enable Treasuring our Trees will to deliver five school projects such as: sustainable garden projects, indoor furniture for schools, sports equipment, imaginative play spaces, adventure trails, bush cubby houses, outdoor yarning/teaching circles, veggie gardens, erosion control, bush tucker gardens and more.
What help is available for hazardous trees?
Residents should speak to their insurance companies to understand what assistance is available under the policy.
If the private tree you are concerned about has not been affected by the recent storm, or is not threatening a place of residence, the normal process for applying for a private tree inspection must be followed.
We are receiving significantly more requests for inspection of trees on private property than normally experienced, which will result in some delay to inspections being completed.
For more general information on tree removal visit:
How does the Clean-Up program work?
There are four phases to the clean-up program:
- Referral: For now if you require help removing storm debris from your property please contact Sue Jack, Recovery Centre & Outreach Coordinator on 0477 056 265 who can refer you to the necessary volunteer support organisation.
- Assessment: You may be asked a number of questions by Habitat for Humanity around the storm damage your property sustained. Following this an initial assessment of properties may be undertaken to identify hazards, understand the scope and type of work required, confirm the cause of the damage and assign a priority categorisation.
- Remediation work: Removal of some storm debris, depending on the assessment and required work.
Every property is different and will be managed on a case-by-case basis. Habitat for Humanity will contact property owners before undertaking any work and work with them to ensure the clean-up process is explained, and that works are done as safely and efficiently as possible.