A severe microburst storm on Wednesday, 19 February caused significant damage in Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan. Within the Shire of Mundaring, Mt Helena, Sawyers Valley, and surrounding areas were particularly impacted with fallen trees, property damage and power outages. Since then, emergency services and Shire teams have been working to clear roads and ensure community safety. We recognise the challenges this event has created for residents and remain committed to supporting the recovery process. While we continue to encourage residents to assist with clean up where possible, the Shire is actively working to secure additional services to further support recovery efforts.

Shire Response and Prioritised Areas

The Shire’s immediate focus has been to clear roads, ensure access to private properties, and clean up key areas, including firebreaks, parks, and Shire-managed reserves. Additionally, the Shire has engaged contractors with specialised equipment to remove fallen verge trees. This clean-up is expected to take approximately three weeks (estimated by 21 March 2025).

Assistance for Residents Who Need Help

Premier's Relief Payment (PRP)

  • The PRP has been activated for this event. Thank you to those who have promoted it so far.
  • A one-off full payment of $4,000 per household is available for those whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.
  • A one-off partial payment of $2,000 per household is available for those whose homes suffered major damage.

 

  • UPDATE (Thursday 6 March 2025)  Following community consultation, the PRP Guideline now includes the following as potentially eligible for partial damage:
    • Water tanks and associated infrastructure, where the water infrastructure forms the primary potable water supply for the home.
    • The home’s power supply infrastructure from the supply point at the boundary to the home.

        

      Welfare Support

      • The Department of Communities is available to support impacted residents.
      • Residents can contact the Disaster Response Hotline at 1800 032 965.
      • The Disaster Response Hotline is available from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

      Help from Disaster Relief Australia (DRA)

      Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) may be able to assist with cutting up fallen trees and branches, but they will not remove debris from properties. To request help, email drtwa@disasterreliefaus.org with photographs of your situation.

      Register for Assistance from the Shire of Mundaring

      Once the Shire has completed the initial clean-up of public areas, we will assess options to assist individual residents who require further support.

      If you need assistance, please complete the online request form and submit photographs of your property here. We will need to clearly see that this photograph is of damage on your property so please include your house in the background where possible. If you need assistance in completing your application, please contact us. Our team will assess requests and prioritise assistance based on the level of need. 

      Storm Cleanup Request Form

      Community Assistance and Verge Management

      Many residents are already working to clear their properties, and we appreciate this proactive approach. We will be clearing verges of debris over the coming weeks and ask that you do not place additional material from private property onto the verge.

      If you need help managing debris on your property, please register with us and we will contact you to discuss options once public areas have been cleared (see assistance for residents who need help above).

      We ask this as a large load of additional green waste on the verge will:

      • Obstruct roads, footpaths, and emergency access routes
      • Increase fire risk, particularly in dry conditions
      • Slow down the overall clean-up process

      Green Waste Disposal Options

      Free Disposal at Community Recycling Centres

      Residents in storm-affected areas have unlimited free access to:

      • Coppin Road Community Recycling Centre or
      • Mathieson Road Community Recycling Centre
      • For regular opening hours, please visit the waste section of the Shire’s website.

        Other Disposal Options

        Residents are encouraged to:

        • Use their FOGO bin service for gradual disposal of smaller green waste
        • Engage a private contractor for property clean-up. 

        Further Information

        If you require further assistance or have difficulties completing the application form, please contact the Shire on:

        (08) 9290 6666 or via email to shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au

        Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue storm recovery efforts.