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On 25th March 2011, following an unexpected and devastating flood at Wilsons Promontory National Park, Parks Victoria sought urgent restoration assistance from Steamatic Melbourne.

The Tidal River camping ground and key infrastructure, including eco-cabins, recreational and visitor facilities, were severely impacted by a massive downpour of 370mm over 24 hours. This extreme weather event led to widespread flooding and significant damage across the area, requiring a swift and effective response to restore the park’s essential facilities.

Floodwaters not only halted the park's operations but also posed significant risks of biological contamination, particularly in areas that had been submerged for days.

Overcoming Access Challenges

The heavy downpour caused significant damage to local infrastructure, cutting off road access to Wilsons Promontory and preventing supplies and personnel from reaching the site. In response, Steamatic Melbourne acted swiftly, organising helicopter transport to airlift essential restoration equipment and teams. This quick action ensured that restoration efforts could begin without delay.

Steamatic's Restoration Plan

Upon arriving on-site, the crew encountered a chaotic scene, belongings including cars, were scattered throughout the park. Steamatic Melbourne immediately began the comprehensive restoration process, prioritising the prevention of long-term damage and the control of microbial contaminants to restore the park safely and efficiently.

The restoration plan included the following steps:

  1. Assessment and Cleaning: Initial assessments prioritised critical areas such as lodges, recreational facilities, and the general store. The assessment revealed high moisture levels, particularly in key buildings, raising concerns about potential bio-contamination.

  2. Drying and Dehumidification: A comprehensive drying process was implemented using advanced dehumidifiers and air movers to eliminate excess moisture from walls, floors, and other affected surfaces.

  3. Bio-Monitoring Study: Steamatic simultaneously conducted detailed bio-monitoring to assess yeast and mould contamination, especially in high-risk areas. Swab samples were collected from key locations, including 12 eco-lodges, two Lorikeet units, the General Store, the gymnasium, the open-air cinema, and the visitor facilities, ensuring a thorough evaluation of potential microbial growth. Following restoration, samples were collected again and analysed for yeast and mould to ensure the effectiveness of the restoration work.

Steamatic Melbourne is proud of its successful flood restoration at Wilsons Promontory National Park, a project that showcased their expertise in managing complex restoration challenges. Through rigorous cleaning and drying protocols, combined with thorough bio-monitoring assessments, they effectively prevented further damage and significantly reduced the risk of microbial contamination in one of Victoria’s most treasured national parks

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