Two recent storm events across the Murrindindi region may see the Shire have to pay up to a further $700,000 to tree contractors to clear the damage.

A special Council meeting has been called for 11am Wednesday (Feb. 12) with the view of delegating extra power to Shire CEO Craig Lloyd, to increase the tree services budget expenditure from $625,000 to $1,325,000.

The emergency works follow the storms on January 22-24, and February 1.
Council had previously resolved to establish a panel for Tree and Weed Services. The panel included categories:

• Standard emergency response and clean up
• General tree works
• Tree root maintenance
• Tree planting, maintenance and establishment
• Pest and disease management.

Mr Lloyd is delegated is by Council to award a contract up to the value of $150,000 for operating expenses.

Approved contractors engaged as part of the Tree Services Panel have been working to assist Council to assess dangerous trees (arborist works), remove debris, prune and remove dangerous trees. These works are deemed as urgent works.

It was estimated that Council would spend approximately $625,000 over the five year contract period on these works. Due to the two unexpected storm events within a three week period, it is now expected that the estimated spend will be increased to $1,325,000.

Funds to support these works will be initially allocated from the current infrastructure operations budget.

This is involving a re-assessment of maintenance priorities, and will most likely necessitate a revision to Council’s annual budget at the March quarterly budget review.

A notification of intent to seek Natural Disaster Financial Assistance has been forwarded to Emergency Management Victoria.