AN Alexandra Hills man is angry workmen took so long to clear a council tree that smashed his fence and fell into his pool.
Warren Hawkes said limbs from a nearby gum growing on a reserve knocked down part of his steel fence on Sunday night, leaving a gaping hole.
He said the damage could not be fixed until the boughs were cleared, which Redland City Council did not begin until four days later.
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Mr Hawkes said he understood it was council’s responsibility but became infuriated when he was told otherwise.
He said council had refused on Monday to send someone out to inspect the toppled tree, saying they were not liable for damages.
He was then told the job would be lodged but waited until Thursday, February 15 for crew to arrive.
“It’s a massive gum tree and they didn’t want anything to do about it,” he said.
“They should have acknowledged the complaint immediately and had a look. The damage is phenomenal.”
A council spokesperson said personnel had taken appropriate action to assist Mr Hawkes within two days of his call but he declined help.
“Council inspectors were on site within 48 hours of the call, to clear the fallen tree, however, the resident advised the officers that the insurer wished to inspect the debris and not to remove it,” the spokesperson said.
Heavy branches collapsed across Mr Hawke’s fence during the storm, staining the pool and causing more than $10,000 damage.
His property breached pool enclosure laws because of the hole and he was worried someone could have entered and drowned.
The spokesperson said the storm had devastated many areas, with more than 250 calls for assistance made the next day.
“Under these unusual circumstances, these requests are prioritised in terms of their risk to people and property and attended to in that order,” the spokesperson said.
ACT OF GOD
The council spokesperson said the storm on Sunday, February 11 was considered an unusual, natural event.
“...in insurance terms, (these) are known as an "act of God",” the spokesperson said.
“Under these circumstances, Redland City Council is not deemed liable and residents can claim on their insurance.
“If the insurer believes that council is liable or negligent for any reason, they will seek recovery on behalf of residents.”
The spokesperson said 18 claims were received for council trees felled onto properties during the wild weather, with more expected and inspections to continue in coming days.
