Shire puts fire

THE Shire of Yarra Ranges has put into place a number of initiatives to support Yarra Ranges residents affected by the bushfires in rebuilding their lives.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Len Cox said the shire had convened a recovery committee to co-ordinate the long-term process of community recovery, including assistance with access to emergency relief grants, counselling, material aid and other personal support services.
“The shire is also ready to support residents affected by the bushfires with assistance with a number of things including livestock, building and public health amenities,” he said.
Copies of construction plans of any property affected by the bushfires will be available free of charge to owners and their insurers to help support the rebuilding process. Records are available dating back to the mid-1960s. To access these services contact the building department on 9294 6333.
A fast track planning permit process for fire affected properties is being established and fees will be waived. A list of private building surveyors who can issue building permits is also available.
The shire’s local laws department can assist residents with supplies for livestock. Residents requiring hay, stock feed, fencing, stock water troughs and temporary agistments can phone 9294 6125. Donations of these supplies can also be made by phoning this number.
Owners of livestock can also access hay at the Healesville and Yarra Glen Relief Centres.
Residents requiring temporary accommodation for domestic pets can take them to the Victorian Animal Aid Trust in Killara Road, Coldstream.
The shire’s road crews are assisting in clearing and making local roads safe to help restore services, infrastructure and access into affected areas.
Drinking water and bottled water supplies are available at the Healesville and Yarra Glen Relief Centres.
The health department can also organise property assessments for residents whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by the bushfires, including inspections of water tanks and septic tanks. Staff from the shire’s building department will also conduct inspections of land to assess hazards and safety issues.
Residents who are able to return to their properties can organise an inspection by phoning 9294 6133 or 9294 6415.
Asbestos kits, which include disposable overalls, P2 masks, gloves, strong garbage bags and sealing tape are available for residents whose homes may have contained asbestos. Kits can be collected from the Healesville and Yarra Glen Relief Centres and the shire’s Lilydale Community Link once residents are able to return to their properties.
“Residents are urged to take care when returning to their properties due to hazardous materials that may be on-site,” Cr Cox said.
“If unsure, please contact the shire’s Health Department on 9294 6415.”
Cr Cox said the amount of support from the community in assisting relief efforts was overwhelming.
“It’s amazing to see how everyone pulls together in times of need, and this week has been no exception,” Cr Cox said.
“Donations continue to flow in rapidly, and it is a tribute to the community, and indeed the country, in which we all live.”
The Shire of Yarra Ranges would like to thank community members and businesses who have generously donated a range of items including clothing, food, hay and stock feed, water troughs, portable toilets and showers, toiletries, fencing, agistments, temporary accommodation and other items.