The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that strong winds could peak at 70kmh in the Illawarra today (Saturday July 8 2023). The winds are expected to persist until late on Sunday.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

• Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
• Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
• Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
• Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
• Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
• Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, call your local SES Unit on 132 500.

Meanwhile Wollongong City Council is reminding workers on construction sites to tie down waffle pods so that they don’t become a problem. Residents who spot waffle pods that aren’t where they are meant to be are encouraged to report the issue to Council. Waffle pods is a common form of waste found on building sites.

“This is a timely reminder to everyone who works on construction sites,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.

“Please secure any loose materials, especially any waffle pods, as we know that strong winds can easily carry rubbish into our waterways and environment.”

“We all have a responsibility to protect our environment and waffle pods and other building waste can cause big problems,” Cr Bradbery said.

“Council staff will be out and about in the community to ensure that construction sites are managing their waste appropriately, especially during high wind events.

“To our residents, if you see any rogue waffle pods or building waste where it shouldn’t be, please report it to Council through our website or by calling our Customer Service team.

“At the same time, please remain vigilant this weekend and pay attention to the waste in your bins and around your house. Now’s the time to make sure items around the house are secured and lids on bins are firmly shut. This will prevent waste from escaping and entering our waterways. We want to keep our community clean and tidy and by being organised and readying our homes, we can all do our bit.”

Read the Industry Code of Practice: Airpop Pods or visit the Expanded Polystyrene Australia website. Report an issue online, or call Council’s Customer Service team on (02) 4227 7111.

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