THE clean-up from September’s floods continues across the south-west, with the damage bill exceeding initial expectations.
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Heavy rains across Corangamite Shire caused $3.76 million to its road network, while the cost in Glenelg Shire is expected to pass $5 million.
Initial estimates from Corangamite were at least $2 million while Glenelg predicted about $5 million.
More than 200 roads and about 25 bridges and major culverts were damaged across Corangamite Shire.
Chief executive Andrew Mason said every local road across the Corangamite Shire had been assessed but the repair program would take between six and 12 months.
Up to 239 separate projects were identified – three have already been completed, 17 are in progress and 219 remain.
“A recovery works program is in place and we are getting on with the job,” Mr Mason said.
He added that the council’s annual $6 million local roads program had also been impacted by the heavy rains.
“In terms of our annual road maintenance and construction program, our crews will now be very busy aiming to deliver the entire program in a shorter time frame,” Mr Mason said.
In Glenelg Shire, the road network requires significant repairs and almost $2 million worth of damage occurred at Casterton’s Island Park sporting precinct, with seven netball and tennis courts affected.
An Island Park club house will also need to be rebuilt, a bowling green will need $27,000 worth of repairs, and playgrounds, barbecue areas, fencing, walking paths and swimming pool grounds will need to be repaired at a cost of more than $70,000.
Glenelg Shire chief executive Greg Burgoyne praised the residents who had helped with the clean-up effort to date.
“The clean-up effort has been made more difficult with ongoing rain,” Mr Burgoyne said.
“It is anticipated these works will continue into the coming months.”
More than $100,000 has been spent by Glenelg Shire to date, with Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne, Warrnambool, and Southern Grampians given access to State and Federal Government disaster relief funds.
The damage bill in Southern Grampians was expected to top $10 million.
Damage bill estimates from Moyne Shire were unavailable.
