Here are the some frequently asked questions following the storms on Christmas Day 2011.  If this dos not cover your query please contact Council on 9433 3111 and ask for Council's Municipal Recovery Manager.

What caused the flooding?

There was a heavy and unusual amount of rainfall on Christmas Day with Greensborough recording 93mm in around an hour.  This meant that the drainage system under the roads and the small creeks and rivers in our Shire could not cope with the sudden deluge of water and they overflowed.

What is Council’s role when it comes to flash flooding?

Council is responsible for some of the drains under the roads but not all of them.  This depends on whether the road you live on is managed by Council or VicRoads.  Some drains are also managed by Melbourne Water.  To find out more about the drains by your property you can contact Council.

I have just returned from holiday and discovered that we have been flooded what should I do?

In the first instance you need to contact your insurers and make a preliminary assessment of any damage.

You may be eligible for a grant from the Department of Human Services (DHS) who can offer emergency relief assistance for up to $1,200 per household and further grants may also be available.  DHS can be contacted on 1800 990 660

Anyone who is renting a property would need to contact their landlord or real estate agent.

We have just returned home to see that we were flooded. Is it safe to use the electricity?

In the first instance you need to contact your insurers and make a preliminary assessment of any damage. If you are still concerned contact a licenced electrician to make an assessment.

I cannot live in my home at the moment because of work taking place – can I get any assistance with this?

The Department of Human Services has announced two types of grants that are available to those who have experienced personal hardship as a result of the storm.

They are:

• Emergency Relief Assistance which provides payment of up to $480 per adult and $240 per child up to a maximum of $1,200 per household for those affected by the storm to cover emergency shelter, food, clothing, personal items or specific transport needs.
• Emergency Re-establishment Assistance provides up to $30,000 to help eligible households with tasks such as clean up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding and replacing some damaged contents.

DHS can be contacted on 1800 990 660

My children are still having nightmares about what happened can I get any help for them?  I have been traumatised by these floods, is there anywhere I can get assistance?

Individuals or families who have suffered significant losses may wish to access counselling support. Nillumbik Community Health Service will prioritise referrals for people who have been affected by the floods.

Nillumbik Community Health Service also offers a number of Allied Health Services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy which may be needed by residents who have been affected by the floods or the resultant clean-up efforts.

Nillumbik Community Health Services are available to all residents in the Nillumbik Shire, or those who live in close proximity and identify Nillumbik as their preferred commercial or service centre.

Community Health Services are charged on a sliding scale depending on family income. However fees are negotiable in cases where the normal fee would be prohibitive for the client.

Nillumbik Community Health Service can be contacted on 9430 9100 or you can visit their website www.nchs.org.au.

Elderly people

There are a number of local transport services that provide community transport to the elderly or those with disabilities.  You can find further details by clicking here.

While my home wasn’t impacted by the floods my garden was ruined can I get any help?

In the first instance you need to contact your insurance company to assess whether this can be included in your claim.

Who is responsible for the drains in our roads?

This depends on whether the road you live on is managed by Council or VicRoads.  Some drains are also managed by Melbourne Water.  To find out more about the drains by your property you can contact Council.

What can I do with my hard waste?

Residents who have hard waste resulting from flood damage should contact their insurance company in the first instance about the assessment process and any evidence, information, costs relating to flood damage that their insurance company may require.

Flood or storm damaged materials (other than green waste) can be taken to the Transfer Station in Plenty and normal charges will apply.

Are you having any more free green waste days?

There are two more free green waste days at the Recycling & Recovery Centre

290 Yan Yean Road, Plenty (Melway 11 D1):

Sunday 12 February 2012 – 8am-4pm

Sunday 11 March 2012 - 8am-4pm

My insurance company are refusing to help, what can I do?

If you are experiencing problems with your insurance company you can contact the Insurance Council of Australia on 1800 734 621.  This service is open 24hours a day.

The Diamond Valley Community Support offers a legal information service. They can be contacted on 9435 8282.

The trees neighbouring my property have been damaged and there are branches overhanging. What can I do?

If the trees are privately owned, you will need to contact the owner of them to discuss removing the dangerous branches.

If the trees are owned by Council then please contact the Operations Centre on 9433 3111 and they will lodge your request.

When will a street sweeper come to my road to clear the drains?

Council is still working through getting all the roads cleaned that and we would ask that residents are patient and understand the backlog of work that has been requested. Council has hired additional contractors to assist with cleaning the streets and drains.