Latrobe and Deloraine among population centres at flood risk as wild weather continues around Tasmania

Several rivers in the north have burst their banks and many are without power as the government warns that the worst of the wild weather is still yet to come. Why there’s cause for relief so far.

Flooding at Bells Parade at Latrobe. Picture: Simon McGuire.

Deloraine, Latrobe and other population centres around the northern half of Tasmania have avoided significant flooding, but only just.

Many parts of the state near rivers and waterways have flood warnings, while at its peak, around 34,000 households were left without power.

The Mersey River along Bells Parade at Latrobe had burst its banks, with large parts of the park and nearby Pig Island submerged on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, around a 30-minute drive southeast, the Meander River in the middle of Deloraine was overflowing.

Flooding at the Meander River at Deloraine. Picture: Simon McGuire.

However, Meander Valley Mayor Wayne Johnston said that conditions were easing.

“Deloraine is still on flood watch, and the water didn’t come up as high yesterday as what it did on Friday,” Mr Johnston said.

“We have pockets of our municipality that have no power to it, and some pockets won’t have power connected until Monday or Tuesday.”

Mr Johnston said some roads within the Meander Valley municipality had been damaged.

“We haven’t had any damage to bridge infrastructure that I’m aware of.

“There has been damage on the Highlands Lake Road, which is not necessarily our patch, but people need to be aware of it if they need to go up to the lakes.

“A couple of houses down River Road at Deloraine by the train park had some water in them.

“Everybody’s just sort of holding their breath and hoping that we don’t get too much rain and have an occurrence of 2022.”

Mr Johnston urged everyone to stay safe.

“We’ll see what tomorrow brings. That’s about all we can do; take it one day at a time.

“People have been through 2022 and probably prepared a little better than they may have been in 2022.”

During the 2022 floods, which affected large parts of northern Tasmania, the town of Railton was one of the worst-hit locations.

But on Sunday morning, Kentish Mayor Kate Haberle said the town was “doing very well” despite the wild weather.

“The water’s flowing very well through the township; there’s no flooding. There’s a little bit of a power outage on one side of Railton,” Ms Haberle said.

“Overall, short of a couple of road closures up around Cradle Mountain and a few trees down, we’re fairing well.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis speaking with SES volunteers along the Meander River at Deloraine. Picture: Simon McGuire.

Speaking at Deloraine later in the afternoon — less than 100 metres away from the overflowing Meander River — Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis warned Tasmanians that conditions could worsen.

“Over the coming days, we will see more dangerous situations for Tasmanians, and it’s just so important that Tasmanians follow specific rules,” Mr Ellis said.

“Make sure that when you’re on our roads you’re driving to the conditions, but never enter flood waters.

“The number one cause of death in flooding is people driving through flood waters.

“It may look safe to do so — but the road itself may be washed away, and there may be swift and dangerous currents — so please heed the advice of emergency services; it could save your life.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said that the West Coast, Derwent Valley and Central Highlands municipalities were among the most impacted by the wild weather and had spoken to the mayors of those council areas.

“I have assured local mayors that we are ready for emergency assistance grants to provide to councils,” Mr Rockliff said.

“There’s no doubt going to be quite some damage when it comes to fallen trees and roads.”

Mr Rockliff said emergency assistance grants were now available for impacted residents in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands areas of up to $250 for individuals and $1000 for families.

While he expected schools to be open around the state on Monday, the Premier said road closures could affect some students.

Meanwhile, Mr Ellis urged people to have a flood plan and act on it.

“We encourage Tasmanians, as they’re considering plans to leave, to also consider contacting family and friends if there are opportunities to stay with them as well.

“We know too that there are many Tasmanians who may not be impacted by flooding but impacted by power outages.

“Tasmanians are often at their best in difficult situations like this.”