Snow impresses, shame about the facilities

Snowboarding action this weekend.

A SPECTACULAR weekend of skiing at Mt Field National Park has served to further reinforce the need for visitor facilities at the ski field, Southern Tasmanian Ski Association president Peter Davis reports. "It was a big weekend at Mt Mawson with all three ski tows operating on Sunday," Dr Davis writes on the Mt Mawson blog.

"After a further 30cm of fresh snow fell on Friday night and Saturday, the weather cleared to a blue sky stunner on Sunday. The Lake Dobson Rd was open and clear to the car park, and there was a big crowd of people out enjoying the beautiful scenery, great snow cover and warm sunshine."

Dr Davis said the 2015 season continued to be spectacular, with excellent snow coverage across all the ski runs. "Visitors from interstate, the UK, South Africa, France, the US, New Zealand and from as far away as Brazil have joined locals to ski Tasmania's only southern ski field. Most are impressed with the spectacular mountain scenery, and surprised or disappointed that there are no visitor facilities commensurate with the expectations of this popular World Heritage destination," he said.

ABC News recently reported on the primitive facilities at Mt Mawson, which can be seen here.

More photos from this weekend's action at Mt Mawson can be seen here.

Gretna Cricket Club notices

Gretna Cricket Club Inc.
SENIOR TRAINING
Commences Sunday, September 13, 10am
at Gretna War Memorial Oval
All past, present and intending players welcome
BBQ to follow
Inquiries: Wade Gleeson 0429 704 677


JUNIOR CRICKET REGISTRATION & TRAINING DAY
For Under 13s & Under 16s
Sunday, September 27, 1pm,
Gretna War Memorial Oval
Open to Boys & Girls
Inquiries: Wade Gleeson 0429 704 677

SFL finals start this Saturday

SFL Week 1 Elimination/Qualifying Finals Fixture

ALL GAMES PLAYED ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

SENIORS
Qualifying Final: New Norfolk v Lindisfarne at Boyer, 2pm
Elimination Final: Huonville v Brighton at Huonville, 2.30pm
(Claremont straight through to Semi Finals for finishing on top)

RESERVES
Qualifying Final: Brighton v New Norfolk at Boyer, 11.30am
Elimination Final: Huonville v Lindisfarne at Huonville, 10.30am
(Claremont straight through to Semi Finals for finishing on top)

COLTS
Qualifying Final: Sorell v Huonville at Huonville, 12.30pm
Elimination Final: Dodges Ferry v Brighton at Boyer, 9.30am
(Claremont straight through to Semi Finals for finishing on top)

Yesterday's footy scores

SENIORS: New Norfolk 15.14 (104) d Huonville 3.11 (29)

RESERVES: New Norfolk 8.14 (62) d Huonville 1.1 (7)

Weekend weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert
for the Upper Derwent Valley, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 9:59pm on Friday 28 August 2015.

Snow covered roads above 300 metres will make driving conditions dangerous during Friday and early Saturday morning in parts of the Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Saturday.

Wind Warnings for Saturday 29 August

Strong Wind Warning for the following areas: Derwent Estuary, Frederick Henry Bay and Norfolk Bay, Storm Bay, Channel, Far North West Coast, Central North Coast, Banks Strait and Franklin Sound and Central West Coast

The next marine wind warning summary will be issued by 5am Saturday.

New Norfolk v Huonville at Boyer tomorrow

SFL Season 2015
Round 18 Preview

By BEN HARRISON
TOMORROW is going to give Huonville a preview of what the pressure of the 2015 SFL finals will bring when it travels to Boyer to face a New Norfolk side that is getting ready for a major tilt at the title for the fourth year in a row.

The Lions forward line has been as hot as any other club in the last few weeks but will be well tested against one of the most miserly defensive units going around. The Eagles have been well served this season by Gardam, Wilson and Horne. However the emergence of names like Belcher, Ross and Thompson in the best players lists over the last few weeks means the business end is near.

This game should be a great indicator as to whether there is any other true challengers in SFL 2015 outside of the men from Boyer and the ladder leading Magpies. 

Player to watch: Nathan Ross, New Norfolk

Prediction: New Norfolk by 45 points.

Friday road weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert
for the Upper Derwent Valley, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts

Issued at 10:07pm on Thursday 27 August 2015.

Snow covered roads above 300 metres will make driving conditions dangerous during Friday in parts of the Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Friday.

Icy roads warning for Wednesday

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert
for the Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 8:36pm on Tuesday 25 August 2015.

Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Wednesday morning in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Wednesday.

New Norfolk wins latest Eagle derby

SFL Season 2015 
Round 17 Review

By BEN HARRISON

SORELL will come away from Saturday's game against New Norfolk with some positives and the hope that more four-quarter performances will make them a more competitive side looking ahead to season 2016.

At half-time in this fixture most of the New Norfolk supporters would have been very quiet behind their Football Records as their Eagles had been outplayed by their home-team Eagle rivals as Sorell took a 31-point half time lead into the break after a nine goal to three first-half.

The shockwaves must have echoed in the New Norfolk change rooms at half time as whatever Caden Wilson included in his coaches’ address inspired the reigning premiers as they piled on 13 goals to two in the second half to turn the arrears into 38-point victory.

Wilson led from the front with five goals and Tristan Triffett and Josh Clifford were New Norfolk’s best players. Grant Williams finished with three goals for Sorell who again had Josh Monks as their best player also finishing with two goals.

New Norfolk won the reserves by 127 points and lost to Sandy Bay in the colts game at Boyer Oval on Sunday.

Other games

Huonville Lions 21.11 (137) d Brighton 7.6 (48)
IF form is anything to go by, then the Huonville Lions are worthy finalists in the 2015 SFL season and may challenge beyond the first week of the finals. The Lions forward structure is one which would have pleased the masses of past players in attendance on Saturday to watch the Lions do everything in their power to secure a home final in the Huon Valley for the first time in many years.
Huonville won the reserves by 19 points and made it three wins for the day in the Colts winning by 57 points.

Claremont 22.22 (154) d Dodges Ferry 8.3 (51) 
IT was a case of “Where did they go?” after quarter time in this clash as the Magpies were challenged by the Sharks for the first time in many many games as Dodges Ferry went to the quarter time huddle with a lead by the slightest of margins. The next three quarters were one way traffic all heading down the Magpies street with Claremont amassing an additional 17 goals as the Sharks could only respond
with two more goals for the rest of the game. Claremont won the reserves by 196 points.

Lindisfarne 15.16 (106) d East Coast Bombers 7.9 (51)
IN the same way their season has panned out, it was a really poor second half that was the big issue for the East Coast Bombers in their game against Lindisfarne. The Bombers and the Two Blues went into the half-time break 40 points apiece, trading blows during the first two quarters like boxers in an even bout, but then the third quarter signaled time for Lindisfarne to come out punching and a knockout blow landed hard against East Coast. Lindisfarne also won the reserves by 39 points.

Hobart 22.20 (152) d Cygnet 15.14 (104) 
THE clash between the Tigers and the Port was in the balance all day until for the second week running Hobart cut loose in the final term and took over the shootout from Cygnet with the Tigers kicking 8.4 to the Port 3.3 in the last quarter which once again proved the difference in this entertaining game between these two clubs. Cygnet won the reserves for the first time in 2015 by seven goals in a result sure to please the club.

Bushy Park celebrates cricket season

Trophy winner Shaun Grant.

AT the Bushy Park Cricket Club dinner and trophy night held at the Star and Garter Hotel recently, it was Mitchell Crosswell who took home a swag of trophies including the biggest award - the best and fairest.

Last summer was a fantastic season for the dominating all-rounder and he collected six trophies at the presentation nights along with others from the Southern Cricket Association. Some of Crosswell's highlights included scoring 122 runs in Round 2; 8 for 23 in Round 4; 6 for 24 in Round 5; and another century in the semi-final.

Club captain Troy Smith also did well, taking home three trophies while youngsters Dylan Grant and Blake Howlett did very well. The club's officials, members, players and their partners enjoyed a great night. The club thanked its trophy donors and sponsors, the Star & Garter Hotel, Roberts Don Mac, Gretna Green Hotel and the New Norfolk Hotel.

Bushy Park had a very good 2014/15 season in which they finished third, going down to eventual premiers DOSA in the preliminary final. This should put the club in good stead for the coming season with a good list of talented players.

Trophy winners
Best & Fairest: Mitchell Crosswell
Best & Fairest Runner Up: Troy Smith
Batting Average: Mitchell Crosswell 50.1
Batting Aggregate: Mitchell Crosswell 801
Bowling Average: Mitchell Crosswell 16
Bowling Aggregate: Mitchell Crosswell 33
Most Catches: Troy Smith 14
Best Fielder: Troy Smith & Dylan Grant
Most Improved: Shaun Grant
Best First Year Player: Blake Howlett
Best in Finals: Mitchell Crosswell
Hat-tricks: Dylan Grant 5-25 in Round 1 & Blake Howlett 5-22 in Round 8

Tuesday: Another icy start coming up

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert
for the Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 8:43pm on Monday 24 August 2015.

Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Tuesday morning in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Tuesday.

Yesterday's footy scores

SENIORS: New Norfolk 16.15 (111) d Sorell 11.7 (73)

RESERVES: New Norfolk 24.10 (154) d Sorell 4.3 (27)

COLTS: Sandy Bay 10.8 (68) d New Norfolk 5.5 (35)

Monday: Icy roads likely

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for the Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 8:20pm on Sunday 23 August 2015.

Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Monday in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Monday.

Fire claims Magra house

A COTTAGE at Magra was completely destroyed by fire in the early hours of this morning. The incident on Back River Rd was reported at 2.19am and units from the Magra and New Norfolk fire brigades were quickly on the scene. Police say the owners were not home at the time.

Eagles v Eagles tomorrow

SFL Season 2015
Round 17 Preview

By BEN HARRISON
SORELL hosts New Norfolk tomorrow and the home team Eagles supporters at Pembroke Park will be hoping that this clash is much closer than the last time these two teams met. Can the Sorell players find a method of play to keep them competitive against the Derwent Valley Eagles? It’s hard to see how but the home crowd will be cheering hard and if they approach the game with nothing to lose they may even surprise themselves.

New Norfolk cannot afford any complacency heading into the finals when playing games that seem winnable and need to show the same merciless attitude that Claremont has been in past weeks to prepare for what looms as one of the most competitive SFL finals series since 2012.

Mark Horne has been in terrific form for New Norfolk and should look to continue on his way and may even be a contender for the Best and Fairest at Boyer this season. At the same time it was good to see Mykal Wiltshire back amongst the goals for Sorell last round.

Player to watch: Mark Horne (New Norfolk)

Prediction: New Norfolk by 55 points.

Running and walking for a cause

Click image to enlarge

Help the scouts get to the Jamboree

Click image to enlarge

THE New Norfolk Scout Group will hold a Beetle Drive on Friday evening next week to raise the necessary funds to send eight local scouts to the Australian Jamboree in NSW in January 2016.

This will be the first time (or the first time in a long time) that the New Norfolk Scouts have sent a group of scouts to a Jamboree.

Suitable for all ages, the Beetle Drive will be held on Friday, August 28, at 6pm in the New Norfolk War Memorial Hall, Circle St. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at No. 10 in High St.

There is more than $1000 worth of prizes to be won, thanks to donations from local businesses. Two major raffles will also be conducted and a light supper will be served. There will also be a chocolate wheel, auction, trade table and lucky door prize.

Thursday: road weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 9:22pm on Wednesday 19 August 2015.

Ice and frost on susceptible roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Thursday morning in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Thursday.

Wednesday: take care on the roads

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for the Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 10.06pm on Tuesday 18 August 2015.

Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Wednesday in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Wednesday.

Good fight by Brighton but New Norfolk wins

SFL Season 2015 

Round 16 Review

By BEN HARRISON

NEW Norfolk flew out of the blocks with a predictable great start to the game on Saturday but Brighton returned fire and kicked seven goals in the second quarter to trail by only four points at half time.

The twists and turns of this game then continued as the Eagles held Brighton scoreless in third quarter while New Norfolk kicked six goals for the term and another six goals in the last quarter to exert their dominance on the game.

Zeke Gardam returned to the goal kicker’s column with four goals and Tyron Rainbird also bagged four goals whilst Tristan Triffett and Mark Horne both had really good games for the Eagles. Brighton’s goals were shared evenly with five dual goal kickers and the Robins’ best were Matthew
Howlett and Hugh Williams.

New Norfolk won the reserves by 23 points.

SENIORS
New Norfolk 5.6 8.8 14.12 20.16 (136)
Brighton 1.0 8.4 8.4 11.4 (70)
GOALS - New Norfolk: Z. Gardam 4, T. Rainbird 4, R. Belcher 3, C. Wilson 2, M. Horne 2, S. Bonnitcha, B. Ransley1, B. Wardlaw, M. Thompson, J. Horne; Brighton: A. Arnold 2, W. Burgess 2, R. Bailey 2, Z. Bird 2, D. Cassidy 2, C. Daly.
BEST - New Norfolk: T. Triffett, M. Horne, C. Wilson, J. Horne, R. Belcher, T. Rainbird; Brighton: M. Howlett, H. Williams, R. Bailey, K. Clark, C. Daly, A. Collis.

RESERVES
New Norfolk 2.1 7.4 11.6 12.7 (79)
Brighton 3.1 4.3 6.4 8.8 (56)
GOALS - New Norfolk: C. Curtain 3, J. Murray 3, S. Fenton 2, M. Murray, N. Santi, D. Triffett, B. Chaplin; Brighton: A. Matcham 3, N. Daly 2, A. Whitford, G. Wakefield, D. Cragg.
BEST - New Norfolk: T. Duggan, J. Adams, J. Van Lierop, B. King, N. Lester, J. King. Brighton: M. Hay, A. Whitford, C. Cairnduff, T. Branch, N. Daly, T. Taylor.



In the other games at the weekend:

Huonville 17.17 (119) defeated Dodges Ferry 7.8 (50)
THE Lions have headed off their rivals and moved four points clear in their three-way battle for the two remaining finals spots. They led at every change and restricted Dodges Ferry to just 15 scoring shots for the day at Shark Park to run out 69 point winners. Huonville also won the reserves by 108 points.

Claremont 31.21 (207) defeated East Coast Bombers 8.7 (55)
THE Pies continued their high-scoring ways of the past few rounds and built a big lead to half time
in their game against East Coast at Triabunna and the question was whether they would take the foot off the pedal and cruise through the rest of the game. The answer came loud and clear as the ladder leaders kept the Bombers scoreless in the third quarter. Claremont won the reserves by 128 points

Lindisfarne 21.20 (146) defeated Cygnet 7.2 (44)
A GREAT start for the Two Blues kicking seven goals to Cygnet’s solitary major in the first term set the tone for the day in the clash at Cygnet. Lindisfarne also won the reserves by 100 points

Hobart 17.12 (114) defeated Sorell 14.19 (103)
AS expected the clash between the Tigers and the Sorell Eagles was close all day until Hobart cut loose in the final term and found a way to finish off their forward entries more efficiently than Sorell.
Sorell won the reserves game by 11 points.

Tuesday: Ice and snow warnings

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 10:11pm on Monday 17 August 2015.

Icy and snow covered roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Monday evening and Tuesday in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Tuesday.

Monday: Road and school warnings

FROM Tasmania Police: Monday, 17 August 2015 - 8.04am.

Local Roads Closed
Collinsvale Rd, Collinsvale

Local Roads Effected by Snow

Black Hills Rd, Black Hills

Check the Tasmania Police Community Alerts page for updated road closures.


FROM the Education Department: Monday, 17 August 2015 - 7.45am.


The following local schools are closed Monday 17 August

• Bothwell Primary
• Collinsvale Primary

Check for school closure updates.

Snowy weather predicted overnight

Bureau of Meteorology image.

THE Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting another snow event for Tasmania tomorrow (Monday), with snow down to low levels expected for the western, southern and central parts of the state. "This will be the third occasion within a fortnight where Tasmania has been affected by low snowfalls, which is quite unusual in such a short time frame," Bureau of Meteorology Tasmanian regional director John Bally said.

“Another burst of cold air early Monday morning will produce showers and snow across much of the state, settling to 100 to 300 metres above sea level,” Mr Bally said. "More road closures in the highlands and at low elevations are expected due to the snow on Monday, especially for western, central and southern Tasmania.

“Snow could settle in elevated parts of Hobart again, particularly in southern suburbs. Motorists are advised to take care on the roads,” Mr Bally said Road users, bush walkers and sheep graziers should check the Bureau’s website for the latest warnings. Check the Tasmania Police Community Alerts page for updated road closures. The Bureau is also now using Twitter to disseminate significant weather information for the community. Follow @BOM_TAS for updates on this snow event.

Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for the Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 4pm Eon Sunday 16 August 2015.

Icy and snow covered roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Monday in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 11pm  Sunday.

Warning to Sheep Graziers
for the Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley, South East, North West Coast and East Coast forecast districts

Issued at 4pm on Sunday 16 August 2015.

Sheep Graziers are warned that cold temperatures, showers and west to southwesterly winds are expected during Monday. Areas likely to be affected include parts of the Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley, South East, North West Coast and East Coast forecast districts. There is a high risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.

The next alert will be issued by 11pm  Sunday.

Marine Wind Warning

Issued at 4:05pm on Sunday 16 August 2015
for the period until midnight Monday 17 August 2015.

Wind Warnings for Sunday 16 August

Small Craft Alert for the following areas: Central Plateau Lakes and South West Lakes

Wind Warnings for Monday 17 August

Strong Wind Warning for the following areas: Derwent Estuary, Frederick Henry Bay and Norfolk Bay, Channel and Upper East Coast
Small Craft Alert for the following areas: Central Plateau Lakes and South West Lakes

The next marine wind warning summary will be issued by 5am Monday.

Check the latest Coastal Waters Forecast or Local Waters Forecast for information on wind, wave and weather conditions for these coastal zones.

Singers ready for tomorrow's concert

The St Matthew's Singers.

HISTORIC St Matthew’s Anglican Church at New Norfolk will resound with Baroque choral music tomorrow afternoon (Sunday).

The St Matthew’s Singers, together with choir members from Jubilate Singers from Sydney and a Baroque orchestra including solo trumpeter Yoram Levy, will perform Bach’s Cantata Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott and Vivaldi’s Gloria in what promises to be an inspirational concert  starting at 2pm.

The concert will be under the direction of Susan Reppion-Brooke, an eminent music educator and choral director, formerly from Sydney but now calling the Derwent Valley home.

Funds raised at the concert will go towards research for Motor Neurone Disease. Donations of $20/$10 will be taken at the door and afternoon tea will be provided in the Parish Hall afterwards.

Road the the snow reopens

A snowboard at the ready at Mt Mawson this morning.

THE road to the snow at Mt Field National Park is open again after being closed for most of the week to allow for snow, ice and tree-fall damage to be repaired.

The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service reports that the Lake Dobson Rd is once again open to four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles with chains. Low-clearance AWDs may still be unable to use the road.

"Conditions in the alpine areas are icy, so be extra careful. The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting ripper conditions for Saturday and more snow (with wind and rain) coming on Sunday," PWS reports on its Facebook page.

Advice for anyone visiting this weekend is that rangers will be controlling access to the road, which leads up to the Mt Mawson skifield. For road access updates call the Mt Field Visitor Centre on 6288 1149, check the Tasmania Police Community Alerts or keep an eye on Facebook. All facilities at the base of the mountain are open.

The Southern Tasmanian Ski Association has reported a very successful opening weekend at the Mt Mawson Ski Field last weekend, with still sunny conditions and plenty of fresh deep snow after the winter storms of the previous week.

Writing on the Mt Mawson blog, STSA president Peter Davis said the Lake Dobson Rd was "pretty challenging, with snow and ice meaning that the road was only open to 4WDs fitted with chains."

"Nonetheless a good crowd of skiers and boarders made it to the skifield on both days, and there were also a large number of people out enjoying perfect backcountry conditions. A number of skiers put in a few runs on Rodway, and others were seen skiing the Golden Stairs," Mr Davis said.

"A big thanks go to the volunteers from the Oldina Ski Club and the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association who put in a huge effort to get the tows operational for visitors. The rope, poles and pulleys of both tows had been partially buried – in some cases under 2m of snow, and it took a team of more than 20 people almost five hours to excavate the tows and get them operational," he said.

Icy roads overnight

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert
for the Upper Derwent Valley,North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 9:41pm on Friday 14 August 2015.

Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Saturday in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am  Saturday.

New Norfolk v Brighton tomorrow

SFL Season 2015
Round 16 Preview

By BEN HARRISON
NEW Norfolk makes the short trip over to Pontville tomorrow (Saturday) to take on Brighton and would be keen to keep building on its preparation for a tilt at the Eagles' fourth SFL senior flag in succession.

As it gets to the pointy end of the season it’s no surprise that the experienced names like Belcher and Thompson have returned to appear as key players amongst the list and will be providing extra headaches for opposition coaches.

Brighton has been solid in its performances of late and is a definite challenger for a finals berth, but letting New Norfolk get away in this one will not help the cause. Ryan Bailey has been in outstanding form for the Robins and is sure to have a very close watch from one of the Eagles best players.

Last year's William Leitch medalist Caden Wilson has been in great form for the Eagles and is definitely leading from the front and given there has been a wide spread of goal scorers for New Norfolk for the last few weeks their scoreboard efficiency should see a comfortable margin in this game.

Player to watch: Michael Thompson (New Norfolk)

Prediction: New Norfolk by 45 points.

Open day at the House today

THE Derwent Valley Community House is having an open day today (Wednesday). Between 10am and 2pm there will be an opportunity to meet the staff, find out more about the programs available and see what the house has to offer.

• A small art display by participants of the Art Class (held with Ron each Friday)
• Belly Dancing by participants of Belly Dancing with Kimba (held each Friday)
• Stand Up Paddle Board on display from the Tree2Sea Program
• Fresh produce from the Community Garden
• Market information stall (community market held monthly)
• A light lunch will be provided

 The Community House is on The Avenue at Willow Court, New Norfolk. 

Thompson storms back into the Eagles nest

SFL Season 2015 

Round 14 Review

By BEN HARRISON

THE result of Saturday's game at Boyer Oval was fairly well expected from the start to end in the Eagles' favour, but the greatest interest for a number of New Norfolk faithful focused on the return of Michael Thompson to the red, white and black and he didn’t disappoint. Most players take a week or two to ease back into football but Thompson was straight amongst the goals and definitely in the best three players on the ground.

The scoreboard could have been even more dismal for Dodges Ferry if the Eagles had kicked straight, with New Norfolk scoring only 10 goals from 24 scoring shots to half time. Dodges Ferry was held scoreless for the third quarter and then the Eagles put icing on the cake with a seven goal final term onslaught to take a 107-point victory.

Caden Wilson was again amongst the goals with four and the clock wound back once again with Roger Belcher and Michael Thompson both finishing on three goals with the best players being Wilson Thompson and Mark Horne. Dodges Ferry’s best were Mark Cusick, Josh Godden and Dave Cusick.

New Norfolk won the reserves by 127 points but lost to Glenorchy by 35 points in the colts.


SENIORS
New Norfolk 5.7 10.14 14.16 21.20 (146)
Dodges Ferry 2.0 3.1 3.3 6.3 (39)
GOALS - New Norfolk: C. Wilson 4, M. Thompson 3, R. Belcher 3, N. Clayton 3, J. Wigg 2, Z. Gardam 2, T. Rainbird 2, T. Triffett, B. Ransley. Dodges Ferry: B. Wilkinson 2, B. Dolliver, J. Wilson, M. Young, M. Cusick.
BEST - New Norfolk: C. Wilson, M. Horne, M. Thompson, J. Wigg, B. Chaplin, R. Heron. Dodges Ferry: M. Cusick, J. Godden, D. Cusick, J. Bowling, J. Curran, B. Wilkinson.


RESERVES
New Norfolk 8.4 10.9 16.12 22.16 (148)
Dodges Ferry 0.2 2.3 3.3 4.3 (27)
GOALS - New Norfolk: C. Curtain 9, J. Van-Lierop 4, B. Chaplin 3, N. Santi 3, J. Banks-Smith, J. Gunther, S. Fenton. Dodges Ferry: T. Howells, Z. Free, S. Cusick, M. Cusick.
BEST - New Norfolk: S. Fenton, B. Chaplin, N. Santi, J. Gunther, C. Curtain, N. Lester. Dodges Ferry: N. Parker, S. Cusick, C. Hales, B. Barlow, M. Hammer, T. Howells.

COLTS
Glenorchy 1.0 4.2 7.3 10.5 (65)
New Norfolk 3.2 3.3 3.5 4.6 (30)
GOALS - Glenorchy: T. Goodsell 3, H. Gunther 2, Z. Baynton, R. Gunther, W. Kaden, T. Henderson, K. Richards. New Norfolk: N. Wakefield 2, J. Whitford-Marriott, Z. Crosswell.
BEST - Glenorchy: W. Atkin, C. Triffitt, T. Goodsell, Z. Baynton, K. Phillips, T. Underwood. New Norfolk: T. Oates, T. Eiszele, C. King, K. Tomkinson, H. Bielleman, W. Lockley.


In the other games at the weekend:

Huonville 17.4 (106) d East Coast 10.12 (72)
THE Huonville Lions stepped up as a finals contender while the East Coast Bombers slid into a potential end-of-season limbo as the Lions registered a 34 point win at Huonville. Huonville also won the reserves, by eight goals.

Claremont 40.25 (265) d Cygnet 3.3 (20)
AS if an 11-goal onslaught in the first quarter wasn't enough, adding another 14 goals in the second term without Cygnet scoring more than a solitary behind was a dagger through the Port's heart in the match against Claremont at Abbotsfield Park. Claremont won the reserves by 166 points keeping Cygnet goalless.

Lindisfarne 18.24 (132) defeated Hobart 11.7 (73)
HOBART seemed to work a lot harder in the clash with Lindisfarne after some heavy defeats in previous weeks but still ended the day trailing by a 10 goal margin. Lindisfarne won the reserves by five goals.

Brighton 15.9 (99) d Sorell 8.13 (61)
AS only two goals separated the battle of the birds between the Sorell Eagles and the Brighton Robins last round it was definitely game on at half time. But a seven-goal third quarter from the Robins was the difference and really blew Sorell out of the contest. Brighton demolished the Eagles in the reserves winning by 30 goals.






 

Vivaldi in the valley

Click image to enlarge

Police road closure details today

Road Condition Update – Sunday 9 Aug 2015, noon

Effected By Ice (use extreme caution)
Lake St Clair Rd from Derwent Bridge to Lake St Clair.
Lakes Secondary Rd (Highland Lakes Rd) Bothwell to Miena

Closed
Lake Dobson Road open to 4 x 4 vehicles with chains ONLY

4wd ONLY (use extreme caution)
Collinsvale Rd, Collins Cap
Marlborough Road Bronte to Miena
Gordon River Rd from Maydena to Strathgordon
Lyell Hwy from Mt Arrowsmith to Derwent Bridge – patches of ice open to all vehicles with CAUTION. The area has been sprayed and is signed

Check the full Tasmania Police Community Alerts page for updated road closures.

Fun in the snow

Snowcam image from Mt Field/Mt Mawson just before 2pm today.

DUE to extensive black ice and snow drifts, the Lake Dobson Rd at Mt Field National Park remains closed to all but four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles with chains fitted.

Low-clearance all-wheel-drives may have difficulties due to deep ruts in the road. Chains must be fitted at the bottom of the mountain, near the Mt Field Visitor Centre.

There is no access to the snow in two-wheel-drive vehicles even if they have chains fitted.

Rangers will be controlling access to the mountain, and all vehicles will need a current Parks Pass which can be obtained from the visitor centre.

Anyone planning on visiting should check www.police.tas.gov.au or call Mt Field on 6288 1149 for up to date conditions.

All facilities at the base of the mountain are open.

The @MountMawson Twitter feed reports that the Mawson and University ski tows are both operating at the ski field today.

The Gordon River road beyond Maydena is open to 4WD only with extreme care.

Road weather alert

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for Central Plateau, Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts

Issued at 10pm on Saturday 8 August 2015.

Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Saturday evening and Sunday morning in parts of the Central Plateau, Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Sunday.

The next alert will be issued by 5am  Sunday.

Check the Tasmania Police Community Alerts page for updated road closures.

Update on getting to the snow

Oldina Ski Club members at work digging out the ski tow rope at Mt Mawson

.

VOLUNTEERS have been working hard to make sure the Mt Field snow experience is as good as possible for everyone making their way up to Mt Mawson this weekend.

Oldina Ski Club members hiked up the mountain last night and their main task has been to dig out the ski tow which has been buried under metres of snow.

Meanwhile, snow and fallen trees have been cleared from the Lake Dobson Rd, which Tasmania Police advise is now open - but only to four-wheel-drives fitted with chains.

Chains must be fitted at the bottom of the mountain, near the Mt Field Visitor Centre. There is no access to the snow in 2WD vehicles even if they have chains fitted.

Rangers will be controlling access to the mountain, and all vehicles will need a current Parks Pass, which can be obtained from the Vistor Centre.

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service says anyone planning on visiting the snow at Mt Field should check www.police.tas.gov.au or call 6288 1149 for up-to-date conditions. All facilities at the base of the mountain are open.

The Gordon River Rd beyond Maydena is open to 4WD only, with extreme care.

Local Road Closure Status – Saturday 08 Aug 15 at 1pm

Effected By Ice (use extreme caution)

Lake St Clair Rd from Derwent Bridge to Lake St Clair.
Lakes Secondary Rd (Highland Lakes Rd) Bothwell to Miena

Closed
Lake Dobson Road open to 4 x 4 vehicles ONLY

4wd ONLY (use extreme caution)

Collinsvale Rd, Collins Cap
Marlborough Rd, Bronte to Miena

Gordon River Rd from Maydena to Strathgordon


Check the full Tasmania Police Community Alerts page for updated road closures.

Road weather alert and closures

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 9:58pm on Friday 7 August 2015.

Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Saturday morning in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am  Saturday.

TONIGHT'S ROAD CLOSURES IN OUR AREA

Roads Effected By Ice (use extreme caution)
Lake St Clair Rd from Derwent Bridge to Lake St Clair.
Lakes Secondary Rd (Highland Lakes Rd) Bothwell to Miena

Road Closed
Lake Dobson Rd

4WD ONLY (use extreme caution)
Collinsvale Rd, Collins Cap
Marlborough Rd Bronte to Miena
Gordon River Rd from Maydena to Strathgordon

Check the Tasmania Police Community Alerts page for updated road closures.

Going to Mt Field this weekend?

Image from the Mt Mawson snowcam around midday today.

THE Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife service reports that snow and tree clearing has continued up the Lake Dobson Rd at Mt Field today, but the road will remain closed tonight.

Advice from road maintenance crews is that the road is planned to be open at 9am tomorrow (Saturday). All vehicles planning to drive up to the Lake Dobson car park may require chains due to extensive black ice.

Anyone planning on visiting should check www.police.tas.gov.au or ring the Mt Field ranger office on 6288 1149 for up to date conditions. Signs will also be in place to advise of road conditions and rangers will be controlling access to the road beyond the visitors centre.

Two-wheel-drive vehicles without chains will not be permitted beyond the visitor centre. All lower areas of the park are open.

Gordon River Rd beyond Maydena remains closed due to major tree and snow falls. Crews have been working on the road all week and it is likely to be closed until early next week.

The Southern Tasmanian Ski Association has provided the following information for anyone planning to head up to the Mawson ski field above Lake Dobson.

Q. How to buy ski tow tickets?
A. All tickets are sold on the mountain besides the ski tow. Cash only sales available.

Q. Can I hire ski/snowboards and gear up there?
A. There is no hire on the mountain.

Q. How do I get there, what's up there etc?
A. mtmawson.info/location/     mtmawson.info/about/      mtmawson.info/snow-cam/

Q. What do I need to bring?
A. Everything; food, water, equipment, clothing. There is a small shelter hut on the ski field and a toilet, that's it!

Hard task at Boyer for the visiting Sharks

SFL Season 2015
Round 15 Preview

By BEN HARRISON
THE Eagles take on Dodges Ferry at Boyer Oval tomorrow (Saturday) in a clash that could prove a hard day at the office for the Sharks who may end up fish out of water following their road trip to the Derwent Valley.

The Sharks will no doubt have the usual suspects in David Cusick, Jamie Curran and Josh Godden trying to keep them competitive but the Eagles appear to be building well towards their finals campaign and on paper have way to much class across all the lines for an upset to be a consideration in this clash.

Jacob Wigg has been in great form for the Eagles and there has been a wide spread of goal scorers for New Norfolk which gives them numerous avenues to goal and you would expect a 10 goal margin in this game.

Player to watch: Jacob Wigg (New Norfolk)

Prediction: New Norfolk by 62 points.

Friday road weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert
for the Upper Derwent Valley, Central North, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 8:11pm on Thursday 6 August 2015.

Icy and snow covered roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Thursday and Friday morning in parts of the Central North, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Friday.

Road closures

 UPDATE: Collinsvale Primary School now open

 Thursday, 6 August 2015 - 7:10 am

Despite slightly milder conditions than yesterday, police say motorists should still use extreme care when travelling today, as many roads are covered with black ice. Collinsvale Primary School remains closed.

 Closed

Gordon River Rd from Maydena to Strathgordon

Lake Dobson Rd

Lake Sorell Rd

Marlborough Road Bronte to Miena

Lyell Highway from Wayatinah to Derwent Bridge

Marlborough Rd Bronte to Miena

4wd ONLY

Lovely Banks Road

Collinsvale Road, Collins Cap

Lakes Secondary Road (Highland Lakes Rd) Bothwell to Miena

Lyell Highway between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge

* Check the Tasmania Police Community Alerts page for updated road closures.

Road weather alert

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert
for the Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 4:15pm on Wednesday 5 August 2015.

Icy and snow covered roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Wednesday and Thursday in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 11pm Wednesday.

Local schools and roads closed today

The following schools are confirmed closed due to snowy conditions today (updated 7:12 am 5 Aug).

• Collinsvale PS
• Glenora DHS

Westerway Primary School is open if you can safely get there. Its school buses are not operating today.

Check the Tasmania Police Community Alerts page for updated road closures.

Road Report: Updated Wednesday, 5 August 2015 - 7.20am

CLOSED:

• Highlands Lake Rd from Miena to Bothwell
• Gordon River Rd Westerway to Strathgordon
• Lake Dobson Rd
• Lake Sorell Road
• Malborough Hwy Bronte to Miena
• Lyell Highway from Ouse to Derwent Bridge
• Lyell Hwy between Ouse and Queenstown

• Lake St Clair Road, Derwent Bridge to Lake St Clair
• Marlborough Rd
• Lake Secondary Rd (Highland Lakes Rd) between Marlborough and Golden   Valley

4wd ONLY (with Extreme Caution):

• Lyell Hwy from Lake Burbury to Derwent Bridge
• Lyell Hwy between Derwent Bridge to Qtown
• Collins Cap Road from Springdale Road