General News
20 October, 2022
Skipton counts costs
SKIPTON residents have showed great community spirit and resilience as they clean up after last weekend’s flood.
SKIPTON residents have showed great community spirit and resilience as they clean up after last weekend’s flood.
Corangamite Shire Council mayor Ruth Gstrein said community members were upbeat.
“The Skipton community are incredibly resilient,” she said.
“Many of them have been through this before and know how to pitch in and support one another.
“Thanks to everyone who has been involved on the frontline of response and more recently as the recovery – our SES and CFA volunteers and other organisations involved.
“They’ve done an amazing job.”
Cr Gstrein said a total of 23 properties had been affected.
Eight houses and five businesses that were flooded have been washed out and skip bins dropped off.
Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor has inspected each premises and found no significant structural issues.
“There has been a steady number of people visiting the football netball club where they can discuss their needs with staff from council and other agencies,” Cr Gstrein said.
“A number have registered for assistance grants and these are being processed fairly quickly.”
She called for volunteers from the wider shire community to help get Skipton up and running again.
“Anyone who’s got some time and can volunteer to help us get businesses back on track and people’s homes made habitable, please register by calling council on 5593 7100 or at the football netball club,” Cr Gstrein said.
“Our staff will be able to match you up to the priority jobs to make the most efficient use of your time and effort.
“We are planning on having a Super Saturday community clean up tomorrow. The weather forecast isn’t great so please keep an eye on council’s Facebook page for updates closer to the day.”
Council has been working with the Skipton Lions Club to set up a local account for community cash donations.
“If you want to make a donation, money is the most effective way to get what is needed,” Cr Gstrein said.
“Donated goods need to be handled, stored and transported which can take people away from the immediate jobat hand.”
Council staff are available at the Skipton Football Netball Club today (Friday) between 9am-5pm.
Residents who would like to contribute can donate at:
Lions Club of Skipton:
Account number: 167629302
BSB: 633 000 or via gofund.me/8aed0548.
For further updates, go to facebook.com/CorangamiteShire.