Thanks to everyone who has been tidying up the Bargara foreshore area and to those who are proposing to do so as a group next weekend. This is fantastic but I’m mindful that we’re going to see a heap more debris washed up over the next week or so and possibly even longer. It would be demoralising to have a big clean-up only to have the beach inundated with flotsam at the next high tide.
I’ve spoken with our General Manager, Environmental Services and Parks & Gardens Manager and we concur that a large-scale concerted clean up should be held in abeyance until we see what else the river’s going to deliver onto our doorstep.
What would be helpful though is for individuals/groups to help clean-up general debris from grounded vessels or other items such as plastic bags, nets, ropes, etc and place them in piles close to a roadway so that they can be easily picked up by Council staff without having to be double-handled.
Please do not use chainsaws or other equipment to try and remove large sections of timber.
Subject to availabilty, Council will try to get a front-end loader onto the beaches as soon as the flow of debris from the river slows down.
I’m amazed at the extent of recovery work that has been achieved in less than a week since the tornado struck with much credit going to our volunteers, Council & SES staff. Last Sunday, I would not have believed it possible.
Can I urge volunteers to please register at www.volunteeringaustralia.com.au as soon as possible as it only takes a minute to complete the form. Also, once again, please have a read of 10 Tips For Cleaning Up After Flooding as it contains some very useful information which maximises your safety.