Gold Coast Christmas night storm: Inside the councils Operation Clean-up to remove debris littering streets

More than 70 per cent of Gold Coast streets damaged by the Christmas night storm have been cleared, with more than 27,000 tonnes of green waste cleared away. But there’s still more to come.

More than 70 per cent of Gold Coast streets damaged by the Christmas night storm have been cleared, with more than 27,000 tonnes of green waste cleared away.

Council workers are still working to remove debris six weeks after the deadly storm, which killed a Helensvale woman and left more than 100,000 homes without power.

Governor-General David Hurley visited the Gold Coast on Monday to meet with Mayor Tom Tate and council workers to thank them for their work during Operation Clean-Up.

Mr Tate said the focus of the work remained on the devastated northern suburbs, with more than 300km of streets now cleaned.

Council workers are still cleaning up debris from the Christmas night storm Picture: NCA NewsWire / Scott Powick

“That is the equivalent of driving from the Gold Coast to Coffs Harbour, while stopping to pick up debris every few hundred metres,” he said.

“But there is still plenty to do. I know we’ve said it before, but this is a mammoth task and it is going to take time so thank you Gold Coast for your ongoing patience.”

Mr Tate urged residents not to keep leaving debris on the footpaths after their streets had already been cleared

Workers who took part in Operation Clean-up met with Governor-General David Hurley on Monday Picture: NCA NewsWire / Scott Powick

“We are also reminding residents to not put more waste on the kerbside once the street has been completed because going back to do second collections is slowing our crews down from getting to other highly impacted suburbs.

“Also, this is not a spring clean, this is a storm clean up. Don’t put your old mattress out – order a Flexiskip.”

Council crews will this week focus their efforts on Wongawallan, Upper Coomera, Oxenford, Maudsland, Pimpama, Willow Vale, Ormeau Hills, Guanaba and Kingsholme

Mayor Tate said chipped green waste would continue to be given away weekly by the council for free.

“The free giveaway of green chipped waste was also very popular with about 100 cubic metres of green waste being collected by residents and non-profit organisations (over the weekend),” he said.

“Every Sunday during February, this program will run so I would encourage everyone looking for woodchips for their garden to make the most of this opportunity.