Derwent Valley flood assistance available

One of the damaged bridges on Glen Dhu Rd at Molesworth.

THE State and Federal Governments have announced disaster assistance will be available for people in southern Tasmania who have been affected by the extreme weather and flooding that occurred on 10 and 11 May 10-11.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements. Federal Minister Angus Taylor MHR has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance and said last week's severe weather and flooding event was one of the worst Tasmania had experienced in recent times.

“This disaster caused major disruptions and substantial damage to communities across the south of the state,” Mr Taylor said. “The Australian and Tasmanian governments will continue to work closely together to provide a range of practical assistance to help those affected clean-up and recover from the devastation.”

Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman said the Relief and Recovery assistance would support communities as they begin to recover. “Our emergency services have done a fantastic job since the disaster began and we are very grateful for their work. My Government will ensure we continue to support our communities as they recover,” Mr Hodgman said.

“This initial assistance will provide a much-needed helping hand to affected families and also help local councils clean up and restore damaged infrastructure. We are working with affected Councils to identify impacted areas and infrastructure to ensure financial assistance is made available to them,” Mr Hodgman said.

Grants for temporary living expenses, essential household items and repair, restoration and clean-up are available for low-income individuals and families affected by the severe weather event. The grants are available in the municipalities of Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glenorchy, Hobart, Huon Valley and Kingborough.

The grants are means tested and are not a replacement for insurance or compensation for losses. For information on the grants call Housing Tasmania on 1300 665 663 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm). The grants will be available for three months.

Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au and the TasALERT website at www.tasalert.com.