Tasmania Police have been kept busy around the state today, with a number of roads closed and homes evacuated due to rising river and dam levels and increased water on the roads.

Late this afternoon the Bass Highway at Turners Beach was closed between Leith and Westella Drive due to flooding. It reopened a short time ago but motorists are urged to proceed with caution.

The Bass Highway at Cooee was closed earlier at 1pm due to passing traffic sweeping water into nearby businesses. One lane has now been reopened.

Police are monitoring farm dam levels with one having collapsed earlier in the Leven River catchment area resulting in damage to some roads and bridges.  Some homes have been evacuated as a result of the dam collapse and rising river and creek levels.

Residents of the Coroneagh Park Home for the Aged at Penguin, which is situated alongside the Penguin Creek, were relocated to the Eliza Purton Home in Ulverstone as a precaution. A number of residents from homes along Penguin Creek were also evacuated and an Evacuation Centre has been established at the Penguin Primary School.

“The main flooding issue is now at Railton where there is water over one metre deep in the town centre,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Steve Bonde.

“A number of homes and businesses have been flooded and an Evacuation Centre has been established at the Railton Primary School.

“Rising levels at the Don River may also necessitate the evacuation of homes alongside the riverbank in this area.”

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has been moved to the North West to assist in identifying people who may be isolated. So far the helicopter hasn’t been used for  any rescues.

Emergency service personnel are also monitoring the Wilmot and Paloona dams on the Mersey River. The Wilmot Dam is overflowing and the Paloona Dam is near overflowing. Residents who may be affected are being contacted.

Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions and be aware of unexpected pools of water on roads.

“Motorists should also avoid driving through flooded roads and pay attention to road warning signs that display hazardous conditions. Motorists should also drive with headlights on at times of poor visibility,” Mr Bonde said.

Members of the public are also urged not to swim or undertake other recreational activities in flood waters due to risks posed by debris and strong currents.

For further road closures, flood and hazard information please refer to the Tasmania Police website on www.police.tas.gov.au and go to Community Alerts. This information is updated regularly.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2296