By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The Yarra Ranges Municipal Recovery Plan (MRPv3) is nearing its conclusion as the council wraps up its recovery efforts from the devastating storms of 2021 and the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the recovery work officially completed by June 2024, the focus has now shifted to integrating community support into everyday operations.
On Tuesday 11 March, during the council meeting, Yarra Ranges councillors gathered to discuss the lessons learned throughout the recovery process and identify areas for improvement in future disaster responses.
Councillor Fiona McAllister, who served as mayor during the 2021 storms, acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the community, stating that closing the recovery plan felt premature given the ongoing recovery.
She said the importance of keeping recovery documents accessible so the community can reflect on both the successes and areas that need improvement.
Given Yarra Ranges’ vulnerability to natural disasters, the lessons learned from the 2021 storms are seen as crucial for future preparedness.
Various local and state organisations, including the Department of Education and Training, Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, the Country Fire Authority (CFA), and community groups such as Anglicare and EACH, played significant roles in the recovery effort.
Councillor Richard Higgins reflected on the chaos in the aftermath, with many in the region enduring extended power outages and service disruptions. Despite these hardships, he highlighted the efforts of volunteers and emergency services in aiding the recovery.
Councillor Tim Heenan also noted the prolonged uncertainty faced by residents as they awaited repairs, acknowledging the human toll of the recovery process.
Councillor Jeff Marriott commented on the valuable documentation created through the MRPv3, which offers insights that could assist other councils facing similar challenges.
As the recovery plan enters its final phase, the council aims to apply the lessons learned to enhance future disaster response capabilities, ensuring that the community is better prepared for potential future events.
“The recovery continues, while the plan may be closing, our commitment to supporting the community and learning from each experience will never end,” Cr McAllister said.
