Tasmania Police, in consultation with the Tasmania Fire Service, is maintaining a road block on the Huon Highway for south-bound motorists to keep the community safe.

However, we are very mindful of ensuring the delivery of essential services, including community supplies to towns south of Huonville, and consideration is being given to bona fide residents wishing to return to their properties, as well as business operators and suppliers.

The Regional Emergency Management Controller, Commander Tony Cerritelli, said Police and other emergency services were working hard to ensure residents can return to their homes when it is safe to do so.

“We also have arrangements in place to ensure that goods and services are getting through to towns south of Huonville,” Commander Cerritelli said.

“With this in mind, we are looking at water-borne options that can be quickly activated for the delivery of goods and services or for evacuations if necessary.

“All of these arrangements are underpinned by safety considerations.

“It is also important to note that the situation can change very quickly and road closures are being reviewed all the time. It is highly likely that with a Total Fire Ban declared for the South on Sunday we may be closing roads again.

“It is vitally important people obey these road closures.”

Commander Cerritelli said that the best way to help people affected was by donating money to the Vinnies Tasmania 2019 Bushfire Appeal.

“We appreciate the public goodwill towards these communities and people offering help and donations of goods but we ask that people continue to cooperate with emergency services by allowing Government agencies to provide any support or assistance required,” he said.

“Donations of money are being accepted through the Vinnies Tasmania 2019 Bushfire Appeal and this is the best way people in the community can assist.”

He reminded Tasmanians to only use reliable sources when seeking information about the situation.

Bushfire alerts and warnings are broadcast on ABC local radio and are published on the TFS website. Current road closures can be found on the Tasmania Police website as well as the TasAlert site.