A public inquiry hotline has been established for members of the community who are seeking further information in relation to the flood threat to some areas of Northern Tasmania. The number is 1800 049 508.

Flood warnings exist for the North Esk, South Esk, Meander and Macquarie Rivers. The South Esk is in major flood, with flood levels expected to peak at Longford at approximately 5 p.m. (1700 hours) this evening. The expected level is 7 metres at Longford.

The State Emergency Service and the Northern Midlands Council are advising residents not to be alarmed and that Longford is operating as per usual. One gate at Longford (the Union Street gate) has been partially erected as a precaution only at this stage. Longford remains open to the public with the main Tannery Road still open.

The South Esk is expected to peak at the Trevallyn spillway at midnight tonight. The peak is expected to incur significant flows (approximately 1:20 ARI event).

“Taking into account the tidal conditions of the Tamar River and the projected increase of volume over the next 18 hours, it’s expected that the river will peak between 5 p.m. today and 5 a.m. tomorrow morning, said Acting Northern Commander Darren Hopkins.

“However, it’s difficult to predict the exact time given change in tide and rising flood levels but we expect that by midnight we would be given a relatively good indication as to what threat may exist, if any.

“Police are not issuing evacuation orders at this point but urge people to be prepared to evacuate if required,” he said.

Police last night and this morning doorknocked residents in the Seaport area to provide flood advice in the event that river levels reach homes and businesses in this area.

It is expected that residents in Hart Street Newstead will be affected by the flows from the North Esk River. Police will doorknock and letterbox homes in this area this afternoon to provide residents with advice.

Police are also doorknocking businesses in Invermay so they can take precautions in the event that the peak flood waters inundate their businesses after hours.

“Members of the public can feel reassured that robust plans are in place and while they are asked to be on alert, at this stage there is no cause for alarm,” said SES Regional Manager Mhairi Revie.

“At this stage there are no plans to evacuate Invermay. However, evacuation plans are being considered in the event that predicted levels are exceeded. Should this situation change we will contact residents in the Invermay area.

“Anyone wanting further information should contact the public inquiry hotline on 1800 049 508. We also urge people who have mobility issues or special needs and who are in these flood-prone areas to register with the hotline.”

Acting Commander Hopkins said as a precaution, and in a timely manner, the following flood gates will be closed in the Launceston area:

Cypress Street at the Railway Yard at Hobblers Bridge;
The Black Bridge Flood Gate;
The flood gate behind the Museum
Seaport flood gate
Glebe Farm flood gates along with the Forster, Gleadow and Lindsay Street flood gates.

All penstocks have had valves closed as a precaution.

The Northern Regional Emergency Management Committee is continuing to meet throughout the day to identify required preparedness and response activities. The Department of Police and Emergency Management is working collaboratively with local government to ensure that the region is well prepared in the event that the flood levels exceed predicted flows.

Residents are advised to monitor local media for regular updates.A public inquiry hotline has been established for members of the community who are seeking further information in relation to the flood threat to some areas of Northern Tasmania. The number is 1800 049 508.

Flood warnings exist for the North Esk, South Esk, Meander and Macquarie Rivers. The South Esk is in major flood, with flood levels expected to peak at Longford at approximately 5 p.m. (1700 hours) this evening. The expected level is 7 metres at Longford.

The State Emergency Service and the Northern Midlands Council are advising residents not to be alarmed and that Longford is operating as per usual. One gate at Longford (the Union Street gate) has been partially erected as a precaution only at this stage. Longford remains open to the public with the main Tannery Road still open.

The South Esk is expected to peak at the Trevallyn spillway at midnight tonight. The peak is expected to incur significant flows (approximately 1:20 ARI event).

“Taking into account the tidal conditions of the Tamar River and the projected increase of volume over the next 18 hours, it’s expected that the river will peak between 5 p.m. today and 5 a.m. tomorrow morning, said Acting Northern Commander Darren Hopkins.

“However, it’s difficult to predict the exact time given change in tide and rising flood levels but we expect that by midnight we would be given a relatively good indication as to what threat may exist, if any.

“Police are not issuing evacuation orders at this point but urge people to be prepared to evacuate if required,” he said.

Police last night and this morning doorknocked residents in the Seaport area to provide flood advice in the event that river levels reach homes and businesses in this area.

It is expected that residents in Hart Street Newstead will be affected by the flows from the North Esk River. Police will doorknock and letterbox homes in this area this afternoon to provide residents with advice.

Police are also doorknocking businesses in Invermay so they can take precautions in the event that the peak flood waters inundate their businesses after hours.

“Members of the public can feel reassured that robust plans are in place and while they are asked to be on alert, at this stage there is no cause for alarm,” said SES Regional Manager Mhairi Revie.

“At this stage there are no plans to evacuate Invermay. However, evacuation plans are being considered in the event that predicted levels are exceeded. Should this situation change we will contact residents in the Invermay area.

“Anyone wanting further information should contact the public inquiry hotline on 1800 049 508. We also urge people who have mobility issues or special needs and who are in these flood-prone areas to register with the hotline.”

Acting Commander Hopkins said as a precaution, and in a timely manner, the following flood gates will be closed in the Launceston area:

Cypress Street at the Railway Yard at Hobblers Bridge;
The Black Bridge Flood Gate;
The flood gate behind the Museum
Seaport flood gate
Glebe Farm flood gates along with the Forster, Gleadow and Lindsay Street flood gates.

All penstocks have had valves closed as a precaution.

The Northern Regional Emergency Management Committee is continuing to meet throughout the day to identify required preparedness and response activities. The Department of Police and Emergency Management is working collaboratively with local government to ensure that the region is well prepared in the event that the flood levels exceed predicted flows.

Residents are advised to monitor local media for regular updates.

ENDS
 

ENDS