Counting the cost Essential Infrastructure Council’s Fleet Council lost 53 vehicles due to flooding, including 13 utes, 4 cars, 10 trucks, 6 tractors and 1 garbage truck. The Richmond Tweed Mobile Library semi-trailer was also lost. These vehicles had been relocated in advance of the flooding to areas which had not been subject to flooding in previous flood events. Council also lost a substantial portion of its small plant, including chainsaws, mowers, and whipper snippers, which was located at the Brunswick St Depot. Again, the Brunswick St Depot had not previously been subject to flooding. Council is currently liaising with insurers to address these losses. Sourcing replacement vehicles will be a challenge, due to the ongoing supply chain impacts of COVID. Council was facing delays of up to 12 months for new fleet prior to the flood. Council has traditionally sourced its plant and equipment from local or regional suppliers wherever possible. These suppliers have now suffered extensive flood damage and stock that was on order has been lost. In the case of small plant, Council is also working with neighbouring councils to source immediate replacements on loan, to minimise impact on service levels.
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Flood Response April 2022
