New Norfolk’s resilience on full display during floods
An effort to restore the Derwent River has incredibly protected some farmers from the brunt of the recent flooding. Here’s how.
Tasmania
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River restoration work by a group which aims to protect communities against natural disasters has withstood flood damage in the Derwent Valley.
The work of not-for-profit organisation Derwent Catchment Project (DCP) has help to reduce the damage caused in this week’s Derwent Valley floods – sparking calls for better state government funding to further protect communities.
DCP is made up largely of producers in the Derwent catchment area driven to improve and restore the waterways damaged by weeds, introduced species, loss of vegetation and poor management.
Recent projects along the Tyenna River, River Derwent and Lachlan River have improved water flow and strengthened river beds and banks.
This week’s flooding has proven the work of the group.
“We are interested in making the landscape more resilient to natural disasters and bringing land to a healthier state,” DCPCEO Dr Josie Kelman said.
“River restoration is a core part of what we do as well as weed management and conservation work, but the river restoration has been put on show with the water levels.”
Westerway Raspberries farmer Richard Clark has witnessed the benefits of these projects first-hand, marvelling at how the Tyenna River adjacent to his property had not spread as far as expected for the river’s water volume.
“The work done by the group and their “Willow Warriors” to remove the excess vegetation from willows as well as clearing debris and weeds from the riverbanks has been impressive,” he said.
“But now seeing how far back the water is from the property when we have had a deluge of rain, it shows how much natural management can improve in simple ways.”
DCP receives funding for restoration projects through local government, including from councils such as Derwent Valley and Brighton Council.
Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis said the group’s work on the Lachlan River had meant normal flooding zones like Tynwald Oval had remained relatively safe and dry.
“Tynwald is a well-recognised flooding spot by council and has a history of flooding with rainfall and weather like we currently have,” she said.
“The work on the Lachlan River by DCP has changed this outcome to protect council infrastructure and local communities, with other work around the Derwent catchment showing the true impact of their work.”
Small funding allocations hold the group back from performing larger projects, Dr Kelman said.
She said funding from local government and infrastructure companies like TasNetworks and Hydro Tasmania meant it could only take on small sections of the river at a time.
“This work has key implications for the recovery and resilience of local communities from disasters like flooding,” she said.
“Anything we can do with the on-the-ground and expert knowledge our team possesses will put towns in a better position against floods.
“Support from the state government would enable us to do more of this vital work on a larger scale and protect more Tasmanians, as well as investing into the management of our waterways which is critically needed.”
Flood warnings for the River Derwent were downgraded on Tuesday easing resident’s concerns.
Executive Director of Tasmania SES Mick Lowe downgraded the River Derwent warning to Watch and Act at 12pm on Tuesday, but urged residents to stay away from flood waters and monitor conditions.
A rainfall station in western New Norfolk recorded 102.6mm of rain in the week ending Tuesday, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a brief reprieve in rain that may allow floodwaters to fall.
The downgrade was the start of work for Lachlan Fire Brigade Chief Bill Rye and firefighter Bindy-Ann Daniels who had been called back out to New Norfolk after helping the SES to doorknock residents in danger on Monday.
“We are travelling around the local area to assess floodwaters and also ensure the public’s safety,” Mr Rye said.
“There have been reports of people entering floodwaters so we are on the lookout for that, but mainly checking what has been damaged by floodwaters and what equipment will be needed when waters recede.”
On Tuesday, water still lapped at properties at Alfred St near New Norfolk’s esplanade and with it debris.
Pine posts from the nearby caravan park’s fencing were ripped out of the ground by floodwaters and were joined by a lone kayak, deck chair and pine panels left abandoned in the middle of Alfred St.
“We don’t mind the cold and braving the rain to be here and help out because we care about the community’s safety,” Ms Daniels said.
Scone on up – Business offers sweet treat to emergency crews
What better way to offer thanks for someone’s work than with a fresh batch of scones?
That was the thoughts of Glen Derwent owner Liz Virtue and husband Rob who have run an on-site tea room since 2016.
After seeing the extreme efforts of firefighters, police, SES and other emergency services and volunteers during flooding in the Derwent Valley, Ms Virtue decided to join a slew of local businesses in giving some food thanks to crews working out in the wild weather.
“We had nothing else to do while we waited to see what was happening with floods anyway and had a full-kitchen and chef laying in wait,” she said.
“Why not give some thanks for all the gruelling work our emergency service crews are doing by giving them some of our famous scones and a cuppa?”
Ms Virtue delivered some of the freshly baked goodies to the New Norfolk police station on Sunday, while crews, including many fathers, served the community into the night of what was Father’s Day.
Ms Virtue has also opened her doors for all emergency service personnel to drop into the Glen Derwent for their own Devonshire or High Tea, a trademark of their historic tea room.
“We have empty tables and chairs ready and waiting for them when they have a spare moment,” she said.
“Hopefully once clean-up begins, crews can take a break and enjoy a cake and a cuppa.”
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