Byron Shire residents should continue to report damaged roads and infrastructure to Council via Council’s website.
As phone and internet services are very limited, the Report It tab on Council’s home page is the best place to capture this information if and when people get some wifi service.
Mayor of the Byron Shire, Michael Lyon, said Council has a list of more than 100 roads that have been damaged but it’s important that people continue to report damage when they see it.
“We are doing our very best around the Shire at the moment and understandably our resources are stretched and we can’t inspect every road at the moment,” Mayor Lyon said.
“If people out there can let us know then we can log the information and staff will check it out and we can put the information on MyRoadInfo so people know to avoid the road or use caution,” he said.
People are asked to avoid areas of the Shire that have been badly damaged and to not attempt to travel on roads that are closed.
Council is particularly concerned about road networks in areas including Main Arm, Wilsons Creek and Huonbrook and there are reports of people taking matters into their own hands to clear land slips or create alternative routes.
Council’s Director, Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway, said while it’s frustrating for residents, people need to let Council staff inspect the roads first to see if they are safe.
“The last thing we want to see is an accident on one of these roads and this is why it is so important that people heed to the warnings,” Mr Holloway said.
To keep up-to-date with the latest information from Council people are asked to check the Council Facebook page, website and Emergency dashboard regularly.
“I am humbled by the kindness and generosity of the people who have been amazing in so many ways from using their own resources to help clean up to hiking up and down mountains relaying information and taking in food and other items to people who are cut off.
“On behalf of Council, my sincere thanks to all the amazing people who have donated goods, money, food, time and emotional support for our friends and family who have needed it,” Mayor Lyon said.
“This will be a long, slow recovery and we’ll get through it together,” he said.
“I would like to thank the Council staff for the enormous effort they are putting in.
“Many are working long hours, in difficult circumstances with limited communication.
“They have been tireless in their efforts to help the community and I, and everyone in Council, are very grateful,” Mayor Lyon said.
