The Victorian Coalition Government has announced a $2 million community assistance package to help Morwell residents begin their clean-up of ash left by the Hazelwood mine fire.
**Victorian Government Media Release**
Premier Denis Napthine said that with the fire under control, a welcome improvement in local air quality, and vulnerable residents able to return to their homes, the Coalition Government was keen to offer further help to Morwell.
“Our first priority is to help those most in need with the clean-up of their homes, and keep the local community informed of planned clean-up activities –including how to access clean-up equipment and support, which we are making available through the Latrobe City Council,” Dr Napthine said.
Dr Napthine said the Coalition Government’s new cleaning package would cater for those who needed help to clean their properties, as well as those who are able to do the work themselves.
“We know that a number of Morwell residents who are either existing Home and Community Care clients, assessed as having ‘high needs’ because of their age, a disability, a current health condition or who recently received relocation assistance, will need to have their properties cleaned professionally.
“For those residents, we’re making available local professional cleaners to undertake both interior and exterior cleaning.”
Latrobe City Council will coordinate the cleaning assistance, using a panel of preferred local cleaning businesses. Residents will be able to choose from a range of services, including sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and exterior surface cleaning using a high pressure hose.
“Most Morwell households and businesses are keen to get on with their own clean-up, but may need some specialised equipment to do the job properly,” Dr Napthine said.
“So we’re funding a self-clean program and making available high pressure water hoses and up to 150 HEPA vacuum cleaners and high pressure water hoses for people to borrow to clean their properties.”
Latrobe City Council will also have free expert advice available on how to best complete a thorough clean-up of any domestic or business property.
The Coalition Government’s clean-up package also involves the distribution to residents of free vouchers for laundry cleaning and car washing.
The clean-up equipment, vouchers and advice will be available from a ‘pop up shop’ being set up in the centre of Morwell.
“All Morwell residents will be able to collect one each of these free vouchers, to have their clothes and cars washed by local businesses.
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan, who joined Dr Napthine in Morwell, said the entire clean-up package will be administered and delivered by the Latrobe City Council, in close partnership with the Coalition Government.
“We see this as a valuable contribution to help the people of Morwell get back into their regular routine as quickly as possible,” Mr Ryan said.
Member for Morwell Russell Northe welcomed the announcement.
"This clean up assistance is great news and will ensure our community gets back to full strength as soon as possible," Mr Northe said.
Residents wanting further information on the clean-up package should contact Latrobe City Council on 1800 017 777 or online at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au
Author: CFA Media