Yarra Ranges Council seek response for latest Storm and Pandemic Survey

Trees down on Monbulk Road, Monbulk after the June 2021 storm. Picture: ON FILE240519_28

Yarra Ranges residents have another opportunity to provide feedback to Council on their recovery from the impact of the June 2021 storm event and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Previous feedback collected through the surveys has helped the development of a number of Council initiatives to support affected residents.

The first survey, which was released in September 2020 and received 789 responses to help inform Council’s Municipal Recovery Plan, was instrumental in identifying what assistance was needed by the Yarra Ranges community to assist in recovery from storm and pandemic impacts.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said this latest survey will be an opportunity to check in with the community to see how they are faring almost two years on from these events.

“Recovery doesn’t come with a calendar and we knew following the events of the pandemic and 2021 storm that for many of our community, the impacts were going to be long-lasting,” he said.

“The feedback we’ve received through previous iterations of the survey has directly led to initiatives like continued advocating for improvement to the telecommunications network, mental health first aid sessions, insurance events, Microgrid feasibility studies and more.”

The Survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is completely confidential. Community members will have until Sunday, 7 May to have their say.

“This survey is a chance for us to touch base with the community to see if there is any further support they need following the impacts of these two significant events, and it will help us to plan and deliver continued storm and pandemic assistance where needed,” Cr Child said.

“I really urge residents to take the time to share your thoughts and experiences, as your feedback will help us to shape the future of our support programs now and into the future.”

Residents can complete the survey by visiting www.shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/pandemic-storm-impact-survey.