Should isolated communites be allowed to clean up after weather events?

Last week's severe weather has highlighted the differing ways some small communities approach the cleanup, with some saying locals need to be empowered to muck in themselves rather than waiting for council contractors. Residents are generally discouraged from clearing slips on public land and roads and told to wait for emergency services or council contractors. However, this doesn't discourage some residents from taking matters into their own hands. So, should isolated communitiies given more power to deal with damage from weather events? Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports.