University looks to next chapter after $15 million flooding blow

UNIVERSITY of Tasmania estimates its damage bill from the May storm will be more than $15 million with some parts of the campus not opening until next year.

UNIVERSITY of Tasmania estimates its damage bill from the May storm will be more than $15 million with some parts of the campus not opening until next year.

One of the worst-hit areas of the university was the law library, which was inundated with floodwater that ruined 4000 books and put the library’s collection of 400 rare books at risk.

About 30cm of water poured through the law library, with mud spread over lower shelves and furniture.

One of the stark images from May’s storm and flood was of books from the law library scattered throughout the carpark and nearby oval.

Books that were washed out of the law library during the May storm. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Video of water rushing through the engineering building went viral.

UTAS senior librarian Juliet Beale was one of the first on the scene after the flood.

“I was shocked to see the damage,” she said.

To try to save them, the collection of rare books from the law library was frozen and are now at Steamatic in Victoria, a company which specialises in freeze drying techniques used to rescue water-damaged books.

“They will then be sent to us and we will assess them and see if they need further restoration,” Ms Beale said.

The timing of the damage was unfortunate as students were preparing for exams.

“I really felt for them,” Ms Beale said.

“But the law faculty has looked after their students and what came through was how much the law students love their library.

“We hope the law library will be opened by semester 1 next year.”

Christine Hurburgh has been working at the Law Library for almost 30 years and was one of the first on the scene after the flood. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

UTAS chief operating officer David Clerk said the damage to the southern campuses caused by the Hobart floods was estimated to be in excess of $15 million.

“Work is still progressing on the campus’s worst affected buildings including law and engineering,” Mr Clerk said.

“Engineering level 1, geography and spatial sciences and law level 1 remain closed.

“Planning for the refurbishment of these spaces is under way and they are expected to be operational on or before semester 1, 2019.”

Mr Clerk said the corporate services building was now fully operational.

Data last week from the Insurance Council of Australia showed 8248 private and business claims, worth $93.5 million, had been registered after the devastating storm.

RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES STILL COUNTING COSTS OF FLOOD