Aid for isolated Glen Dhu Rd

Emergency services officers carrying supplies for Glen Dhu Rd
residents isolated by damaged roads and bridges.

ESSENTIAL supplies were flown in to the top end of Glen Dhu Rd yesterday, for residents left isolated by last week's storm and flood events.

Inspector Mark Wright of Tasmania Police said the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was used to drop off essential supplies and check on the welfare of residents of about five properties in Glen Dhu Rd, Molesworth, early yesterday afternoon.

The area was isolated as a result of several bridges being damaged in the storm. Work on clearing and damage assessment is continuing today with a view to start repairing the bridges as soon as possible. It is understood the rescue helicopter also carried out aerial reconnaissance while in the area.

One of the damaged bridges at Glen Dhu Rd.

Homes in the area were also without power until late in the afternoon. The Derwent Valley Council had been in contact with most of the affected residents and had provided equipment to some householders to allow them to recharge their mobile phones in their cars.

“There are some isolated homes in the area, so we’re flying in some basic essentials including milk, fruit, cereal and bread to help them through what is a challenging time for their community,” Inspector Wright said yesterday.

“Members of the community are safe, however a paramedic on board the helicopter will be visiting the residents to help reassure the community and to attend to any medical needs if required,” he said.

Tasmania Police advises that a number of roads remain closed in the Derwent Valley due to flood damage. These include:

• Collins Cap Rd, Molesworth/Collinsvale, at the quarry (number 685)
• Collinsvale Rd, Collinsvale (near primary school)
• Glen Dhu Rd, Molesworth (at the fourth bridge)
• Hanson Rd, Lachlan at Lachlan Rd
• Tynwald Park, New Norfolk

Up-to-date road closure details can be found at www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts

Tynwald Park is closed to all users until the council is satisfied that infrastructure is returned to a safe and usable state. The park is closed to all pedestrian and vehicle traffic until further notice.

For local updates check the Derwent Valley Council Facebook page and website.