Town of Cambridge Recovery From 25 February Storm

Published on 26 February 2020

The Town of Cambridge was particularly hard hit by the thunderstorm that struck the metropolitan area of Perth on Tuesday 25 February.

A swathe of damage was caused through Wembley and West Leederville with many trees uprooted and damaged bringing down power lines and cutting access to properties and streets.

The most significant incident was a tree that was brought down on a moving car on Harborne Street. Thankfully the driver escaped with only minor injuries.

Cambridge Mayor Keri Shannon thanked the residents and community members that helped each other out in the wake of the storm.

“It was a relief that no-one was injured and pleasing to see everyone lend a hand so quickly to help others in distress especially the driver of the car that was hit by the large gum tree,” she said.

“We are asking the residents to report any damaged trees on or near their property by calling the Town on 9347 6000 or via the ‘report it’ link on the web site with the priority for any street or house that has blocked access or damage.

“The Town’s tree contractor was called within the hour of the storm passing and along with Town’s Parks Officers worked through until 2:30am with the clean-up and were back first thing this morning.

“The Town’s Rangers also responded to calls and closely liaised with emergency services to assist.”

The reported areas of damage so far include: • Underwood Ave – tree blocking road • Holyrood Park – multiple trees down • Abbotsford Street – Multiple trees and power lines down (worst affected street) • Kimberley Street – multiple trees down • Joseph Street – five trees down • Cambridge Street/Harborne Street – car crushed, median tree down • Railway Parade – several large branches down • Lake Monger Recreation Club – tree down.

The Town would like to inform residents that tree branches and debris will be stacked on verges to be collected at a later date. Damage to trees in parks will be assessed and cleaned up once all the residential streets are attended to and cleared.

Mayor Shannon also asked residents to take care near large trees in parks as damaged branches may be still suspended in the tree yet to fall to ground. The Town’s park staff will be undertaking checks of all trees in parks in the affected areas.