Update on Creswick storm clean-up

Published on 24 May 2022

Hepburn Shire Council’s storm recovery effort is continuing, with nearly all the storm-related road and drainage repairs completed following the weather event that tore through the western part of the Shire in January 2022.

More than 50 residents from Creswick remain displaced from the flood, with many more continuing to deal with insurance companies to fund repairs.

“It’s been more than five months since the storm, and we recognise the incredible difficulty faced by many whose lives have been severely impacted by this event. Our hearts go out to them,” said Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie.

“Our Storm Recovery Team is continuing to work with the community, connecting people with services such as financial counselling, health and other support, and working one-on-one with residents,” said Cr Drylie.

Council has invested more than $3.5M in the storm clean up, with an ongoing focus of clearing drains and repairing roads.

Cr Drylie said that the storm clean-up process takes time and is complicated.

“For all road and drainage repair we need to provide proof that the damage is from the storm rather than general wear and tear. This allows us to claim back part of the cost of repair from the Commonwealth and State Governments,” said Cr Drylie.

“We’ve repaired nearly all of the storm-damaged Council roads, prioritising the most urgent and badly damaged areas. Over the next few weeks, we will focus on roads in Dean and Springmount, and then onto Clunes,” he said.

“We will complete drain clearing and repairs in the next few weeks, with the last of the works to occur in Creswick and Clunes,” said Cr Drylie.

Cr Drylie said Council’s approach to flood mitigation is in three planned stages:

Stage one: Initial work to clear drains so they work at the optimal capacity.

Stage two: Carry out a significant flood study of the area to assess longer-term impacts with input from residents and experts in insurance, planning and engineering. While this study will be dependent on State Government funding, Council has already applied for $240,000 in partnership with North Central Catchment Management Authority. Council has commenced a preliminary study which has included discussions with residents.

Stage three: Work with other agencies to source funding and carry out longer-term and significant improvements in flood mitigation in and around Creswick.

Council’s 2022/23 draft budget includes a program specifically related to the stormwater network in Creswick.

“We have included a number of localised drainage projects in our draft budget, which were identified through consultation with residents. A full flood study will provide more comprehensive and data-driven improvements to the drainage network, but we will need funding from the Victorian Government for a project of that scale,” said Cr Drylie.

“We know there are still many people impacted by the ongoing effects of the storm. If you are looking for additional support or information we encourage you to call our Storm Recovery Team on (03) 4373 7373,” he said.