‘Left on edge’: Derwent Valley residents prepare for flooding
All New Norfolk resident Chris Loy and Greg O’Farrell can do is wait and see what floodwaters will do as they began sandbagging their home on Monday. Here’s an insight into what it’s been like.
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In the five years they have lived in New Norfolk, partners Chris Loy and Greg O’Farrell have never seen floodwaters rise as high as they are.
The couple spent much of Monday sandbagging their Ferry Street home with the help of local SES crews, as well as relocating their belongings up high inside their home or moving them to their son’s home in Claremont.
“It’s definitely been a long few days, it takes a lot of energy being left on edge like this,” Ms Loy said on Monday.
“We are just waiting to see what happens when high tide comes in on Monday night and then we will respond, but we are staying here until we know more.”
Floodwaters from the nearby Derwent River broke banks at around 7.30am this morning, travelling the block up Ferry Street to lap at the edge of Ms Loy and Mr O’Farrell’s home.
These waters also engulfed the nearby caravan park, rowing club and bowls club.
Mr O’Farrell said the wild weather event escalated on Monday.
“On Sunday night, the water spread from the Derwent [River] up the street, but receded again overnight,” he said.
“When I went outside at 6am, the floodwaters were back to the river’s edge so I went to work.
“Then I get a call from Chris saying the water has come all the way up to our house – it’s a lot.”
It comes as the Derwent Valley and towns surrounding the Derwent River continue to prepare and react to the emergency evacuation orders for Meadowbank, Glenora, Bushy Park, Gretna, Macquarie Plains and surrounds.
Stuart Rayner is on the board of directors for Surf Life Saving Tasmania and said its volunteers were aiding in a relief capacity for emergency services.
“We are here to assist those already out doing the hard yards, bringing our boats to assist in whatever capacity is needed,” he said.
“We were called out yesterday to help but were later called off, and will return on Monday to help.
“We are another hand to keep the community safe.”
Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis said some homes had already been inundated by water, mainly located close to the banks of the Derwent River.
“It is unfortunate for those families, but rest assured that they will have the full support of the Derwent Valley,” she said.
“Some people are keen to stay home because they have seen weather events like this before, but the reality is that this water will be around for the rest of this week and it will continue to be a danger.
“We encourage people to come into one of our two evacuation centres or to travel to a friend or family’s home in a safer place.”
For owner of Ryelands Farm and Vineyard Derek Jones, floodwaters had already cut off his chance to leave, with waters crossing over both the Lyell Highway and Glenora Road on Monday.
However, his hilltop property in Macquarie Plains was a safe space away from the river.
“I just saw one of my camping tables get swept away by the river, but so far so good,” he said.
“We are one of the lucky few who will be okay though, so for the time being I just have to wait for the waters to recede to get back into town again.”
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