Herewith is a summary of Council’s Flood Recovery Update, from their March 21 newsletter. While Council’s online email subscription link doesn’t currently work, you can see the flood recovery page.
Waste collection
Council staff say they have completed flood waste collection in most areas.
‘We are asking people not to put any further items on the kerbside from this point in time. If you do still have genuine flood waste, please contact the Resource Recovery Hotline on 1300 652 625 [number updated] and we will assist you.
‘Flood waste can also be taken to the Byron Resource Recovery Centre between 8am and 4pm on weekdays, and 8.30am until 11.30am on weekends.
‘Waste on the kerbside has the potential to be a public health risk, and an environmental hazard. It can also increase the occurrence of illegal dumping. We have reports of people coming from other areas and dumping in front of flood affected properties which is heartbreaking. If you see any illegal dumping activity please use ReportIt or Rid Online (Report Illegal Dumping).
‘The skip bins have been removed from the Ocean Shores Salad Bowl, Alidenes Road and the Mullumbimby Netball Courts.
‘Unfortunately, the bins were being misused by some individuals who have been dumping general household waste. These areas will now be monitored for illegal dumping, and fines apply.
‘People who have not had access to kerbside pick-up services due to landslides and road closures will still have skip bins available. We will continue to work with these communities to provide waste solutions.
‘The Byron Resource Recovery Centre and Secondhand Shop are open to the general public.
‘Anyone wishing to claim free flood waste disposal will need to provide proof of residency.
‘Please be aware that builders waste is not classified as flood waste – this will be charged at the standard rate at the weighbridge’.
As for hazardous waste, Council staff say they have a specialised contractor who has been collecting hazardous waste separately and they will continue going to all flood affected areas this week.
‘This job should be finished by the end of this week’.
Roads and bridges update
The ‘emergency fix’ phase for Main Arm and Palmwoods is now complete, say staff, with road access restored for those two communities. They say, ‘We’re in the process of shifting into the next phase, which involves work on permanent road and bridge rebuilding in these areas.
‘Our teams are still busy in the hinterland areas, and request that only local and emergency traffic drive through the Wilsons Creek and Huonbrook areas.
Temporary access has been restored to Englishes Bridge at Upper Coopers Creek. It has a 15 tonne limit say staff.
‘Repairs to Coopers Creek Road flood damage will also get underway this week’.
The washed out road at Huonbrook is now trafficable and long-term repairs will follow. The Australian Defence Force have finished the timber foot bridges across the Huonbrook landslips to allow safe pedestrian access.
‘In Federal, Wanganui and Upper Wilsons Creek, teams are working on geotechnical drilling, risk assessments, and designs to repair these roads and restore access. Work is continuing on Williams Bridge in Main Arm, and is expected to take a few weeks, weather permitting.
Rivers and ocean risks
‘We are hearing, anecdotally, of people falling sick after swimming in the rivers and oceans. There are obviously a range of other hazards in the water when it is turbid after a flood event that could pose risks to health. It is common sense not to enter the water when it is turbid, dirty and full of debris’.
Recovery precinct
The Mullumbimby Recovery Precinct at the Civic Centre offers face-to-face help with flood relief, including ‘accessing disaster payments and insurance, to mental health support and donated food and groceries’.
There are new opening hours – Monday to Friday, from 9am till 4.30pm; Saturdays from 9am till 2pm. The centre is closed Sundays.
And finally, Council staff say, ‘Thank you, to all those people stepping up to give others a break at the moment. Your efforts mean that lots of important work can continue to be done, including cleaning, providing food, shelter, clothing, and emotional support to those impacted by the flood event. The generosity of the Byron Shire community and businesses has been phenomenal’.
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