Local councils identify $20 million in preliminary flood damage costs

Ballarat, Moorabool, Pyrenees, Golden Plains and Hepburn councils have so far tallied more than $20 million in costs, with damage assessments far from complete.

The Ballarat region was hit by several major storms in September and October, resulting in several flash floods that caused significant damage to hundreds of local roads, trees and bridges as well as other council property.

Pyrenees Shire Council appears to be the hardest hit so far, with current estimates sitting at $7.5 million.

However, the precise figure won’t be known for weeks or possibly months, with many bridges in the area yet to be inspected.

Importantly, councils are covered through the federal and state funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement (NDRRA) program to assist with the costs.

While councils can apply for funding assistance to repair essential assets, it does not cover everything, with community infrastructure and walking trials are no longer eligible for funding.

Moorabool Shire Council has so far determined more than $1.6 million in costs.

Infrastructure general manager Phil Jeffrey said there were more than 60 locations around the shire where trees or limbs required clearing, while road damage had been identified in more than 200 locations.

“Repair works will continue over the coming months and into the new year to restore these assets. External contractors and equipment will be used to undertake the remaining works on site, to ensure council’s eligibility to apply for funding assistance,” he said.

Golden Plains Shire Council has so far identified $600,000 in damages, which chief executive Rod Nicholls said are mostly road-related.

Meanwhile, Hepburn Shire Council’s preliminary cost is $5.5 million, with more than 300 roads impacted, while City of Ballarat has so far reported around $5 million in damages.

VicRoads is also continuing to assess the damage to its arterial roads in the Ballarat region.