Published 13 May 2024, updated 15 August 2024
Please check here for the latest updates and news as a result of the tornado which impacted Bunbury on Friday, 10 May and the subsequent storm on Saturday 1 June. We will continue to update this page with the newest information.
Our thoughts continue to be with those in our community who have been impacted as we continue recovery efforts across Bunbury.
Storm Recovery Community Meeting
City of Bunbury will host a Storm Recovery Community Meeting for residents impacted by the 10 May tornado and 1 June storm event.
Three months on from these significant events, we acknowledge support is still ongoing and required for many community members.
This meeting will bring Bunbury residents together to update them on the recovery process, provide a forum to share any ongoing support needs, and discuss community-led approaches to recovery.
There will also be an opportunity for attendees to raise any ongoing support needs and information will be provided on how residents can aid in the recovery process.
This meeting is open to all community members impacted by the storms and for anyone interested in offering support.
It will take place on Monday 26 August from 5pm to 6pm at the Hudson Road Family Centre.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has a Bunbury Storm Recovery Information website.
This page is dedicated to recovery resources following both storm events, and provides important details around support, information, emergency financial assistance and how to apply. View their website via the link below.
If you require any support or assistance related to the storms please contact the Department of Communities disaster assistance hotline on 1800 032 965.
The City’s Community Recovery Officer is available during office hours (8.30am to 4pm) for enquiries and support – 9792 7000. If you need help and don’t have access or ability to use a phone, you can come to the City Administration Building (4 Stephen Street, Bunbury) during office hours.
If you have an electricity fault, please contact Western Power on 13 13 51. For general enquiries on predicted power restoration, please contact Western Power on 13 10 87.
We ask that you continue to follow Emergency WA for the most up-to-date information about current incidents and weather warnings.
ASBESTOS REMOVAL
Asbestos monitoring by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation did not detect any airborne fibres, which is great news. Residents wanting to clean up in the recovery zone are asked to please wear appropriate Protective Protection Equipment.
The City has packs of PPE available for residents from the Administration Building or by contacting us on 9792 7000.
While wearing PPE, residents are asked to wet the surface of any asbestos before handling, double wrap in black plastic and clearly mark as asbestos. Please leave on your verge for collection.
Please do not dispose of asbestos in bins. If you need assistance with asbestos advice or disposal, please contact the City on 9792 7000 or for further information about asbestos safety following an emergency, click the link below.
WASTE COLLECTION
Waste services have returned to normal operations. Please refer to the City’s website or download the My 3 Bins app for relevant dates and information, including the next Hard Waste and Green Waste collection schedules.
Please do not put bulky hard waste items out for collection. City hard waste collection is following its regular schedule, and the presence of hard waste on residential verges is unsafe given ongoing inclement weather. Please contact your insurer to arrange removal of storm debris, or transport this to the Stanley Road Waste Management Facility.
Please do not put asbestos in your residential bins.
A reminder, the City is not able to collect or transport hazardous waste. Please do not put in residential bins. The community can take household hazardous waste to the Stanley Road Waste Management Facility for free. Please see accepted materials and amounts below.
Thank you to our community for your continued kindness, generosity and support for your neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Department of Communities has a disaster assistance hotline for specific concerns around accommodation and food. This number is 1800 032 965.
The City of Bunbury is available during office hours (8.30am to 4.00pm) for enquiries and support – 9792 7000.
If you need help and don’t have access or ability to use a phone, you can come to the City Administration Building (4 Stephen Street, Bunbury) during office hours.
The PDF below also provides a number of personal support services.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has a Bunbury Storm Recovery Information website.
This page, dedicated to recovery resources following the storms, provides important details around support, information, emergency financial assistance and how to apply.
The City’s Community Recovery Officer is available during office hours (8.30am to 4.00pm) for enquiries and support – 9792 7000. If you need help and don’t have access or ability to use a phone, you can come to the City Administration Building (4 Stephen Street, Bunbury) during office hours.
Emergency financial assistance is available for eligible residents where the home was destroyed or severely damaged by the storm.
The payment is available to help residents pay for food, clothing, personal effects, transport and emergency accommodation.
A payment of $4000 is available for those whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.
A payment of $2000 is available for those whose homes suffered major damage. Apply for the State Government’s emergency financial assistance here or, contact the DFES Recovery Grants Team on recoverygrants@dfes.wa.gov.au or 1800 490 678 (Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm).
Western Power Extended Outage Claim
This is the State Government’s $120 extended outage payment, which is a one-off payment of $120 per any supply interruption that lasts longer than 12 consecutive hours.
For help, contact Western Power on 13 10 87.
If you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the storm, the Salvation Army may be able to assist with funding for essential purchases.
Call the Salvo’s on 08 6210 3288.
Asbestos monitoring by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation did not detect any airborne fibres.
We ask residents to use caution if you suspect there is asbestos in the area. Please follow Emergency WA for updates.
Residents who may require assistance or advice about cleaning up asbestos can contact the City of Bunbury during business hours on 9792 7000.
Residents wanting to clean up in the recovery zone are asked to please wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
The City has packs of PPE available for residents from the Administration Building, the Recovery Hubs or by contacting us on 9792 7000.
While wearing PPE, residents are asked to wet the surface of any asbestos before handling, double wrap in black plastic and clearly mark as asbestos. Please leave on your verge for collection. Please do not dispose of asbestos in residential bins.
If you need assistance with asbestos advice or disposal, please contact the City on 9792 7000 or for further information about asbestos safety, go here.
Tree and vegetation debris clean-up continues in parks and reserves.
Residents are also still cleaning up private properties.
Waste services have returned to normal operations. Please refer to the City’s website or download the My 3 Bins app for relevant dates and information, including the next Hard Waste and Green Waste collection schedules.
The McCombe Road Resource Drop Off Centre and Stanley Road Waste Management Facility are both open.
The City is not able to collect or transport hazardous waste.
The community can take household hazardous waste to the Stanley Road Waste Management Facility for free. Please see more information, including accepted materials and amounts on the WasteNet website.
Please do not put in residential bins.
Please contact our Waste Services team on 9792 7333 if:
- A bin/s at your property is damaged and requires repair or replacement
- A bin has gone missing from your property and you have been unable to locate it
- A stray bin requires removal
The City has been inundated with residential bin repair requests and we ask for our community’s patience as our team works through these requests.
We once again thank you for your patience and understanding.
Drones are used by agencies such as the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for disaster recovery. This helps document the information, progress and action for further reporting and funding support.
If you think someone is using a drone illegally, contact police on 131 444 or make a report to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Donations to organisations assisting with the recovery will help to support local residents.
The Salvation Army, the Australian Red Cross, and Lions Australia have offered significant support and financial assistance to impacted residents.