Storm clean up to extend into next week

Storm clean up to extend into next week - 4 March 2016

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Council tree crews worked until 1.30am clearing fallen branches and trees following what has been described as one of the biggest post storm clean ups in nine years.

Thursday’s freak storm resulted in about 200 calls to Customer Service by 11am on Friday, including 50 in a short period on Thursday evening after 100km/h wind gusts ripped through the city for half an hour.

“In terms of the mess created, this is the worst storm I’ve experienced in Wagga in nine years,” Manager Strategic Parks Operations David Walker said.

“Staff worked until 1.30am ensuring residents had access to their properties and trees were removed from roads.

“As of Friday morning there are 40 trees down that need immediate attention and smaller jobs will be prioritised after they are completed. At this stage, the scale of the clean up will mean it will continue into next week.”

To keep noise to a minimum, the tree chipper was not used after 11pm on Thursday night and Council thanks residents for their understanding while the emergency works took place.

So far on Friday morning, crews have attended a large tree job on the corner of Best and Edward streets, with traffic and pedestrian controls in place while the clean up took place.

A large gum tree and smaller debris in the Botanic Gardens will also be cleared in time for two weddings to be held at the popular attraction on Saturday.

If you need to report a tree issue after a storm, please contact Council’s 24-hour call centre on 1300 292 442.

Residents can also dispose of green waste from storm damage only for free at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre until close of business on Monday 7 March.