Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s storm waste facility near Romsey has been nominated as a finalist in the 2023 LGPro Awards for Excellence.
Recognised in the special projects category, the facility was established in partnership with Emergency Recovery Victoria, formerly known as Bushfire Recovery Victoria, in response to the severe 2021 storms.
The site has collected more than 65,000 tonnes of tree and storm debris from the Macedon Ranges and other storm-affected areas across Victoria, which has been returned to impacted communities in forms of free timber, fence posts, stakes and more.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said the facility provided better and faster opportunities to manage green waste.
“The site allowed us to clear and process storm debris faster and on an enormous scale,” he said.
“By reimagining storm-damaged timber as an opportunity to provide value for the community rather than simply as waste to be cleared, we assisted residents’ practical, environmental and social recovery.”
Mr O’Sullivan said collaborating with partner agenices helped manage the significant number of stormed debris that could have resulted to major issues such as disposing the stockpiles of mulch product.
“An oversupply of mulch could have led to other issues such as potential fire hazards,” he said.
“By thinking outside the square and working with partner agencies, we have been able to address this problem and at the same time, give back to impacted communities in a very tangible way.
“The success of the project is a testament to the foundational role local government can play in changing the way response and recovery works in the aftermath of natural disasters.
“It’s been a collaborative effort and I acknowledge the significant partnership with the Victorian Government. Partnering with them allowed us to scale our operation and process trees from other storm-affected parts of Victoria, leading to a better outcome for our community and many others.”
The facility continues to process material from the June 2021 storm and will soon be accepting material from other events as identified by ERV.
Winners of the 2023 LGPro Awards for Excellence will be announced at the LGPro Conference event in Melbourne on May 25.
