Residents, businesses still counting costs of Hobart’s devastating flood

TWO months on from the devastating floods that tore through Hobart, residents and businesses are still dealing with the fallout of the most financially costly natural disaster in Australia this year.

SITTING on her carport roof with her two children and pet dog, Suzy Browne could only watch on as her Hobart home was ripped apart by floodwater.

Two months on from the devastating floods that tore through Hobart, residents and businesses are still counting the financial and emotional costs.

MORE: HOW THE FLOOD DRAMA UNFOLDED

Ms Browne and her family have been living in a rental property since their Degraves St, South Hobart, home was inundated with floodwater.

“It came through our house like a tidal wave — we lost everything,” Ms Browne said.

With only the clothes on their backs and what little items they could salvage, Ms Browne said the situation was made more difficult with the lack of support from governments at all levels.

“I haven’t had a single contact from any government official,” she said

“I went down the path of applying for a hardship grant and I had to jump through so many hoops – I just don’t have time

“I’m working all hours of the day just to keep us going as a family.”

MORE: HAVOC AS WILD WEATHER FLOODS CITY

Suzy Browne in her South Hobart home that she still cannot live in that was seriously damaged in the floods. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Ms Browne said although she was insured and would be able to recoup the loss of her home and contents at some stage, she was still paying power and water bills and fielding annoying phone calls from pay TV providers.

“Austar has been phoning me because I had Foxtel, which I obviously cancelled, saying I have to send the boxes back,” she said

“I told them ‘they’re underwater and part of an insurance claim’.”

GALLERY: NIGHT OF FURY

GALLERY: FLOOD WASH-UP

The aftermath of the floods has also taken an emotional toll on the Browne family.

“My daughter doesn’t like the rain at all and gets a bit freaked out about it,” she said.

“I’m not a fan either, to be honest.”

Ms Browne said she had the utmost repect for the builders and tradespeople working tirelessly to restore homes.

“These guys are working around-the-clock to get people back in properties and I want them to know I’m grateful and they’re doing a great job,” she said.

People affected by the storm and flood are encouraged to apply for financial help before it closes on August 15.

Grants are available in the six municipalities that were significantly hit: Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glenorchy, Hobart, Huon Valley and Kingborough.

Six grants are available to help affected individuals, families, small businesses and non-profit organisations with the cost of recovering.

More information is available at www.tasalert.com/recovery

MOUNTING DAMAGE BILL FROM HOBART FLOODS

THE damage bill for the Hobart floods in May has surged past $120 million, overtaking Cyclone Marcus and the New South Wales and Victorian bushfires as the most financially costly natural disaster in Australia this year, according to Finder.com.au.

The Insurance Council of Australia said the May 10 and 11 storm has resulted in 8248 claims and a damage bill of $93.4 million, not including damage to local and state government assets.

The suburbs worst affected were Kingston, Sandy Bay and Blackmans Bay.

Hobart City Council estimates its damage bill to be in the vicinity of $20 million while Kingborough Council estimates costs to be in the millions.

MORE: FLOOD RECOVERY COULD TAKE MONTHS

Thirteen of Hobart council’s insured properties including City Hall and McRobies Gully Waste Management Centre suffered damage to varying degrees as a result of the storm.

A council report notes that repairs to City Hall were the highest priority due to the impending Dark Mofo and Festival of Voices performances booked for the space and the council has been advised that Pinnacle Rd was classified as essential public infrastructure under the NDRRA.

MORE: BUSINESSES ASSESS DAMAGE AS CLEAN-UP BEGINS

Hobart City Council general manager Nick Heath said the council was investigating every possible avenue in terms of funding for the clean-up of the extreme weather that happened in May.

“As the event was declared a natural disaster, funding is now open under the NDRRA for the city to access.

“Pinnacle Rd is just one asset classified as an essential public asset that will be covered under the NDRRA funding arrangements.

“Through some great work from our parks team, the only sporting ground that is still closed is Queens Walk — all others are operating normally.”

Mr Heath said the council was undertaking an officer-led review into the disaster and how the council was prepared for the disaster, responded to it and recovered from it.