A clean-up program and other supports are available to people affected by the October 2022 floods across Victoria. See October 2022 flood recovery for information.
About the program
Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) is supporting the clean-up and recovery work for the owners of private property damaged by the June 2021 Flood and Storm that occurred on 9–10 June 2021.
The Residential Flood and Storm Clean-up program was established to help property owners restore their land after the 2021 storms.
The program focuses on residential properties with structures that were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Structures are cleared and removed along with any hazards cleared to access a structure.
Stories of the residential clean-up program
In November 2021 the clean-up program reached the halfway milestone. By the end of December 2021, over 70% of residential properties was completed.
In partnership with the Johns Lyng Group, ERV visited some of the green waste sites, residential properties and holiday parks to help tell the stories of storm impacted communities.
Read more below.
Transforming green waste into usable timber products at Romsey
A new standard for sustainable processing of fallen trees and storm debris has been set at the Romsey Green Waste Facility.
Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) Chief Executive Officer Mariela Diaz said the facility, which is a partnership between ERV and Macedon Ranges Shire Council, has been an integral part of ERV’s residential flood and storm clean-up program, clearing, processing, and making best use of the beautiful trees.
Pictured: Emergency Recovery CEO, Mariela Diaz, visits the Romsey green waste treatment plant.
“It was really important that ERV found an innovative solution to manage the large volumes of high value wood, particularly Mountain Ash, from the June 2021 flood and storm event.
“It has transformed the way storm debris is managed in Victoria – every part of the tree is being put to good use.
“Since its opening in August 2021, the team have processed tens of thousands of tonnes of trees and storm debris, which have been returned to the community as timber, fence posts, sleepers, stakes, firewood, root balls, mulch, and sawdust.
Pictured: Machinery at the Romsey green waste treatment plant.
The Emergency Recovery Victoria residential flood and storm clean-up program covers the demolition and removal of any structures or hazardous trees threatening residents, work crews and structures, on eligible residential properties that were damaged beyond repair by the June event.
Shane and Diana, Lake Jubilee Holiday Park
Pictured: Shane and Diana, managers of the Lake Jubilee Holiday Park talking to our film crew about their experience during the storm.
The June 2021 Residential Flood and Storm Clean-up program coordinate a team of experts to support residents on their recovery journey.
When the June 2021 Flood and Storm hit the Daylesford community, Diana and Shane had only just taken over the management of the Lake Jubilee Holiday Park two months prior.
The damage caused by the storms was unbelievable. Diana and Shane were overwhelmed by the thought of restoring order to the holiday park.
Council sent out people to start restoring power, clearing the roads that access the property and making sure the area was safe. The army was deployed to the site to lend a hand.
Later, Emergency Recovery Victoria came on site shortly after to support Diana and Shane’s recovery journey and coordinate the clean-up.
In partnership with Johns Lyng Group, the ERV Clean-up program covers the demolition and removal of structures on eligible properties that were damaged beyond repair by the storms, like the Lake Jubilee Holiday Park.
The devastation the storm left behind was overwhelming, but with the help of the Residential Storm and Flood Clean-up program, Diana and Shane were able to re-open the park in time for summer.
“To have Paul from BRV walk in and go ‘don’t worry about it. We’ve been through this before. We know what we’re doing, we’re here to help’. That was the biggest thing, he didn’t tell us what we should be doing – he was just here to help.” Shane
Marilyn and Michael from Kalorama
The June 2021 Flood and Storm had a devastating impact on many communities and individuals, including Michael and Marilyn whose home was destroyed.
On the night of 9 June, Marilyn and Michael were forced to escape their Kalorama home of 15 years. They recall the events of the night, where the glass in the kitchen started to blow out and as Marilyn was heading downstairs, a tree fell dangerously close to her.
They were able to escape the house but weren’t safe in the carport with all the trees coming down. The rest of the night and into the next day was spent trying to protect their property while staying safe.
So many trees fell on their property – in their yard and on their house. To see the place the next day was overwhelming.
When they were linked with ERV’s Residential Flood and Storm Clean-up program, they were relieved to learn about the support available.
In partnership with Johns Lyng Group, the Clean-up program covers the demolition and removal of structures on eligible properties that were damaged beyond repair on 9 and 10 June, like Michael and Marilyn’s home.
“What they’ve put together here to get the trees off the house without doing further damage to it… We so appreciate it. To have the support of ERV is heartening and rewarding.” Michael
Learn more about Marilyn and Michael's experience, watch the full .
How the clean-up program works
There are four phases to the clean–up program:
- Initial assessment of properties to identify hazards, understand the scope and type of work required, confirm the cause of the damage and assign a priority categorisation.
- Making properties safe by removing hazards to eligible sites, particularly hazardous trees and materials.
- Demolition and removal of structures and/or hazards that were removed to access a structure.
- Remediation works include post site clearance and rectification works. Every property is different and will be managed on a case-by-case basis. During this stage, ERV contacts registered property owners and work with them to ensure the clean-up process is explained, and that works are done as safely and efficiently as possible.
During the initial site assessment, ERV and Johns Lyng Group will discuss the scope of the clean-up with property owners and provide a consent form that property owners will need to sign for the clean-up to progress.
The main focus of any clean-up is always safety — safety for the community and for the people undertaking the work. Safe access must be guaranteed before works begin.
Site assessments are needed, and all hazards posed by materials and hazardous trees must be managed appropriately. Once those have been addressed, clean-up work can begin as soon as possible.
Reviewed 29 May 2023