By Jamie Salter
Recent storm events that hit Victoria resulted in a significant number of fallen trees and branches across the City of Casey
Anyone who drives through the local government area can see remaining storm damage strewn about the neighbourhoods.
Damage along Filmer Crescent and Buster Court looks as if “a bomb has gone off” and with branches left lying on nature strips, residents are running out of patience.
Clyde local and former Narre Warren CFA member Paul Smith has lived in the area for 20 years and said the streets have never been in a worse condition.
“The trees are everywhere and no one has done anything about it,” Mr Smith said.
“Myself and eight to 10 neighbours have written in to council and received a standard reply that it has been too wet for maintenance teams to enter.
“There’s no excuse from removing all the trees on paths – that’s no wet weather related.”
Mr Smith said the debris has been left scattered across the area for at least a month.
“This time of year is when the municipality should be looking its best and it’s an absolute mess,” he said.
Cranbourne North resident Caesar Albanesi said there was too much red tape in City of Casey.
“The council has not done anything to clean up the damage,” he said.
“They’re giving excuses and it’s just not right, we pay so much in rates and what do we pay these rates for?”
City of Casey manager city presentation David Richardson said council and contractors were working through a large number of requests.
“However due to the high volume, it means we are unable to meet our usual service standards,” he said.
“Since 1 August, we have received more than 5,000 requests related to trees and branches including requests for assistance and general maintenance.
“Our Urban Forest team is working hard to catch up as quickly as possible.
“We appreciate your ongoing patience as our team works on the most urgent and high priority requests first.”
Priority requests include clearing trees and branches that have fallen on roads, paths and driveways.
Mr Richardson said there may be a delay in collecting trees and branches that have been cleared and moved safely onto nature strips.
“Currently, we estimate that it may take six to eight weeks for our usual routine maintenance programs to resume and for a return to our usual service standards,” he said.
“Council crews are aware of the fallen branches in Filmer Crescent and Buster Court and work is this area is scheduled in the next week.
“If you believe the situation you originally reported has become more urgent (possibility of causing harm to persons or damage to property), please contact us again and quote your previously issued reference number and our team will review, and action as needed.
“We apologise for the delay and appreciate your patience.”
