City counts cost of flood damage

Flash flooding and storm damage from January’s severe weather event has cost the Geelong Council more than $1 million.
City of Greater Geelong chief executive officer Kelvin Spiller said the council’s insurance department was in the process of finalising a flood claim.
Mr Spiller said damage to Vines Road Community Centre cost almost $600,000 to repair.
He said an official re-opening celebration would be held at the centre on 25 June with free activities and entertainment for all ages.
“The city suffered damage to more than 70 council buildings in the storm, including the South Barwon Community Centre and Highton Library,” Mr Spiller said.
“Vines Road Community Centre had the most damage and the organisations and groups operating from the centre have worked tirelessly with council staff to assist with flood clean up and re-establish services.”
Mr Spiller said the worst-hit areas of Geelong during the severe weather event included central Geelong, Belmont, Highton, Geelong West, Hamlyn Heights and Newtown.
“In the days and weeks following the storm council received almost 1000 calls for advice or assistance, and reports of storm water, general flooding, damage and fallen trees.
“Hundreds of staff worked to man customer service lines, repair inundated parks, fix roads and drains and connect with as many residents as possible to provide advice and assistance on residential and commercial building damage.”
He said a post-storm public information forum in March provided residents with a chance to seek advice on dealing with mould, re-establishment grants, insurance, personal support and disaster legal aid.
“This has been an ongoing process for the City of Greater Geelong and will continue as we finalise our insurance claim,” Mr Spiller said.
“I’d like to remind all our residents that it’s a good idea to ensure your home and contents are appropriately covered by insurance and that if you already have a policy it might be necessary to check that it’s up-to-date and that you know exactly what you’re covered for.”