COVID-19 ADVICE

COVID-19 ADVICE: The following links provide official advice and information about the virus known as COVID-19.
Australia's state and federal governments are taking action to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Use the links above to source the latest advice about what you can do to protect yourself and others. Washing your hands for 20 seconds is one of the most effective forms of infection control. Do this after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; after close physical contact with anyone who is unwell; after using the toilet; before and after eating; before, during and after preparing food; and after feeding or touching a pet.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Saturday road weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania


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

Issued at 3:57pm on Friday 30 August 2019.

Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Saturday in parts of the Central North, 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 Friday.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Councillors to interview deputy candidates

COUNCILLORS will dominate the interview panel for candidates seeking to become the Derwent Valley Council's deputy general manager. Applications opened today and will be accepted until September 29.

The information package for the position says shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel consisting of general manager Greg Winton, mayor Ben Shaw, and three other elected members, and this will most likely be followed by a second round of interviews as well as online profiling to assess leadership style.

The new position, replacing the role of corporate and community services executive manager, will have a $150,000 salary package, including a car and 13.5% superannuation. The council says the successful candidate will have tertiary qualifications and/or extensive business management background.

The position description describes the deputy general manager as a senior leadership position forming part of the executive management team, working with the general manager to provide information and advice to councillors and to implement council decisions. Areas of responsibility under the position are:
  • Children’s Services
  • Strategy and Communications
  • Governance and Information Management
  • Human Resources
  • Financial Services
  • Customer Service and Administration
The council has not had a deputy general manager since 2012. Since then various senior staff have been designated to fill the role as required. In a statement earlier this week the reintroduction of the role was described as creating a succession plan for general manager Greg Winton who intends to retire next year. 

Job advertisement
Information for candidates
Position description



Road weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania


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

Issued at 3:07pm on Thursday 29 August 2019.

Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Thursday night and Friday morning in parts of the North West Coast, 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 11pm Thursday.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Road weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania


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

Issued at 7:27pm on Wednesday 28 August 2019.

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

"Exciting time" to join the council

THE Derwent Valley Council is seeking a deputy general manager to help fill the shoes of general manager Greg Winton who has said he will retire next year.

In a statement dated yesterday but issued today, the council says it is about to start advertising for a deputy general manager to join its senior management team. Mayor Ben Shaw says it is an exciting time to be joining the council.

The council says the deputy general manager role has been designed to replace the previous corporate and community services executive manager as well as creating a succession plan for general manager Greg Winton.

"Mr Winton has been discussing this role since March with the elected members and council’s HR partner, and feels this is the right strategic move to make as it is his intention to retire in 2020," the statement said.

Mayor Ben Shaw says he is positive about the council’s ability to attract the right person, with the area entering into a period of growth and investment on several fronts. “With the commitment of funds in the recent budget to upgrade our infrastructure and open spaces, along with the considerable investment in the Valley in terms of tourism, it really is an exciting time to be joining Derwent Valley Council," Cr Shaw said.

"It’s a great opportunity for us as a Council as well, and will allow us to build a relationship with the incoming person, while having the benefit of the current general manager’s experience, skills and guidance.”

The council has not had a deputy general manager since 2012. Since then various senior staff have been designated to fill the role as required.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Business as usual at the Community Garden

The Derwent Valley Community Garden, off The Avenue
at Willow Court, New Norfolk.
THERE is no plan to close the community garden at Willow Court, Derwent Valley Community House chairman Matt Hill has told the New Norfolk News.

Responding to local speculation, Mr Hill said the garden co-ordinator was presently on leave and part of the area was cordoned-off due to recent flooding, but the large part of the garden was operating as usual.

"The Derwent Valley Community Garden is currently unmanned whilst our garden co-ordinator, Tracey, is on leave," Mr Hill said. "A small section of the garden was impacted by the sewerage spill on August 17 and that section will remain closed until TasWater has carried out their clean-up operation," he said.

Mr Hill said the remainder of the garden was still open to the public and anyone wishing to buy produce was welcome to do so using the honesty box provided at the shipping container in the corner of the garden. "Also, we are always on the lookout for volunteers and invite anyone who is interested to pop in and see Tracey when she returns from leave in a couple of weeks," he said.

The area affected by the TasWater sewage spill has been roped off and involves about six beds close to the front fence. "Some of those beds are empty and others contain herbs. The Market Garden has not been affected at all," Mr Hill said.

Mr Hill said the Derwent Valley Council was liaising with TasWater on the Community House's behalf and a clean-up operation is being arranged.

Valleyfield venue for Derwent Catchment fundraiser

Click image to enlarge.
THE annual spring celebration and fundraiser for the Derwent Catchment Project will be held at New Norfolk next week.

Historic Valleyfield will be the venue for the event on September 6, which supports the work of the group across the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands.

"Every year we gather the community together to celebrate spring and the start of the productive season," Derwent Catchment Project spokeswoman Eve Lazarus said. "As part of the event we share a three-course meal and hold a charity auction to raise money to support our work in the catchment."

Ms Lazarus said the group was pleased to have one of the beautiful old hop kilns at Valleyfield in New Norfolk as the venue for this year's fundraiser. The Derwent Catchment Project's annual general meeting will be held at the same venue at 4.30pm for those who wish to attend.

The Valleyfield venue for the Derwent
Catchment fundraiser.
Tickets to the main event at 6pm will be $50 per person, which includes annual membership, a drink on arrival and a three-course meal. "We are lucky to have local farmer and chef Will Chapman on board with a pop-up kitchen serving entree and mains," Ms Lazarus said. "A range of fabulous desserts will be on offer thanks to baking champions from our community.

"Auctions on the night up the ante with the possibility to purchase a range of items that showcase local business and community in our fantastic region. We have some exciting items up for auction, including a ram! On the list so far we have luxury accommodation and wine packages, an Agrarian Kitchen book and eatery voucher, fly casting lessons and a fishing rod and reel, a heritage breed tanned sheep hide from Arundel Farm, and Nant whisky to name a few."

Membership of the Derwent Catchment Project provides access to expert advice on farming, weed management and conservation projects. The group's aims are:

  • To address issues of land degradation both natural and agricultural by implementing best practice land management.
  • To support community and industry to innovate and improve on practice by attracting investment and sponsorship for improvements in land condition in the Derwent Catchment.
  • To empower and inspire the community to be involved in active management of the catchment.

To help with catering numbers  at the Spring Celebration please RSVP to September 3 by emailing projects@derwentcatchment.org or calling 0429 170 048. More information can be found on the Derwent Catchment Project's Facebook page.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

See how the elimination final unfolded

Season over for the Eagles

New Norfolk's Josh Farrow talking with Cygnet's Barry Hall
after the final siren today.
THE season has ended for the New Norfolk District Football Club following two elimination final losses today.

Playing at Cygnet this afternoon, the senior side went down by 14 points after a rollercoaster ride during the game.

The Eagles scored a solitary point in the first term but kicked five goals and three points to finish one point in front at half-time. New Norfolk was behind by one point at three-quarter time but was outscored by Cygnet in the final term.

Star Cygnet recruit Barry Hall scored eight goals and was single-handedly responsible for almost half of his team's final score. New Norfolk's Josh Farrow had the unenviable task of playing on the AFL Hall of Fame big man, and received some post-match tips from Hall in a display of genuine good sportsmanship.

SENIORS
Cygnet 3.0-18 5.2-32 9.5-59 15.8-98
New Norfolk 0.1-1 5.3-33 9.4-58 13.6-84
Cygnet - Goals: B. Hall 8, B. Livingston 2, R. Schuth 2, L. Paton 2, B. Halton; Best: A. Duggan, R. Schuth, B. Livingston, B. Halton, N. Duggan, J. Gordon.
New Norfolk - Goals: M. Parker 8, J. Wigg 2, J. Bearman, J. Hills, J. Daley; Best: M. Parker, J. Daley, N. Eiszele, B. Lovell, B. Chaplin, J. Walsh.

In the other elimination final played at Anzac Park, Lindisfarne, this morning, the New Norfolk Eagle Colts went down to the Sorell Eagles by 46 points.

New Norfolk was held scoreless in the first quarter and added 14 points by half-time. They were again scoreless in the third term but kicked five goals and a point in the final quarter as the Sorell side ran away to a big win, 91 points to 45.

COLTS
Sorell 4.6-30 5.8-38 12.11-83 13.13-91
New Norfolk 0.0 2.2-14 2.2-14 7.3-45
Sorell - Goals: B. Carter 6, C. Dargan 2, J. Campbell 2, T. Duggan, R. Bird, L. Butterworth; Best: R. Bird, L. Cameron, L. Butterworth, C. Dargan, B. Carter, M. Prouse.
New Norfolk - Goals: J. Miller 2, Z. Wheeler, H. Davis, B. Howlett, O. Haigh, T. Rainbird; Best: J. Miller, Z. Wheeler, E. Holden, W. Banks, J. Triffett, T. Scanlon.

Posting on the club's Facebook page this evening, a spokesman said it was unfortunately that the Colts and Seniors would not be continuing further into the finals. "We are so proud of what all our teams have achieved this year," they said.

"One thing we take away from this is that we are one club. We stood together and will continue to stand together. We all tried our best. Next season we will come back stronger and better.

"We thank our players, NNDFC Board and football clubrooms committee, our sponsors, our volunteers, our supporters and our family and friends."

SEE THE DUFF TV MATCH VIDEO

Quiet Hour for New Norfolk supermarket

There will be a "Quiet Hour" at the New
Norfolk Woolworths each Tuesday.
THE "Quiet Hour" concept has been introduced at the New Norfolk Woolworths supermarket following a successful trial period interstate.

The business has announced that the period from 10.30-11.30am every Tuesday will be "Quiet Hour" at 260 of its supermarkets nationwide.

The initiative is intended to help to reduce anxiety and sensory stress for customers with specific needs, including autism, by providing a quieter and less stimulating environment in each store. Autism Spectrum Australia estimates more than 300,000 (or one in 70) Australians are on the autism spectrum.

During the nominated hour each Tuesday, selected Woolworths stores will lower their lights, turn down music and turn off oven buzzers. Woolworths New Norfolk will join more than 260 stores nationally, including three others in the greater Hobart area doing so.

“We’ve heard from our customers there is a need in the community for a low sensory shopping experience in the area," Woolworths operations manager Tristan Merrett said. “Off the back of successful trials, we’re delighted to expand Quiet Hour to Hobart for the benefit of even more customers. Our team takes great pride in ensuring the store is quieter and less stressful for customers who want to shop during Quiet Hour and we look forward to welcoming them in store.”

The initiative was developed in consultation with disability service providers at Life Without Barriers, whose chief executive, Claire Robbs, said: “Quiet Hour is a fantastic accessibility initiative by Woolworths that recognises that people have different accessibility needs. “It gives people a way to do their shopping and increase their independence in an environment that is not stressful and overwhelming to them.”

During Quiet Hour, customers will also notice the following changes:
● Reduced volume on telephones phones and cash registers on the trading floor;
● Roll cages will be removed from the shop floor; and
● No public address announcements (except in case of emergencies).

The participating greater Hobart Woolworth stores are New Norfolk, New Town, Eastlands and Channel Court.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Final flood warning

Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania


Final Flood Warning for the River Derwent

Issued at 10:09am on Friday 23 August 2019


Flood Warning Number: 3

The Derwent River below Meadowbank Dam has fallen below the minor flood level. Downstream river levels at Macquarie Plains and New Norfolk are expected to remain below the minor flood level.

In the 24 hours to 9 am Friday rainfall totals of 5-16 mm were observed in the upper Derwent River catchment, with less than 5 mm recorded in the lower reaches. No significant rainfall is forecast for the remainder of Friday.

Strong and dangerous flows will be a hazard over the next couple of days.


River Derwent above River Ouse:

No further flooding is expected in the River Derwent above River Ouse.

River Derwent above Meadowbank Dam:

No further flooding is expected in the River Derwent above Meadowbank Dam.

Tyenna River:

No further flooding is expected in the Tyenna River.

Styx River:

No further flooding is expected in the Styx River.

River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam:

No further flooding is expected in the River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam.

The River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam is currently at 3.69 metres and steady. Levels in the River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam remain elevated but are expected to remain below the minor flood level (4.10 m) during Friday.

The River Derwent at Macquarie Plains is currently at 3.15 metres and steady. The River Derwent at Macquarie Plains is expected to remain below the minor flood level (4.00 m) during Friday.


Flood Safety Advice:

FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.tas.gov.au

Road closure information is available at www.police.tas.gov.au

For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500

For life threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Next Issue:

This is a final warning, no further warnings will be issued for this event.


Latest River Heights:

LocationHeight of River (m)TendencyDate/Time of Observation
River Derwent below Lake St Clair2.12Steady09:30 AM FRI 23/08/19
River Ouse at Ashton1.23Steady09:30 AM FRI 23/08/19
River Ouse at 3B Weir0.98Steady09:30 AM FRI 23/08/19
River Clyde at Bothwell0.13Steady08:00 AM FRI 23/08/19
River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam3.69Steady09:45 AM FRI 23/08/19
River Derwent at Macquarie Plains2.68Steady09:51 AM FRI 23/08/19
Tyenna River at Newbury0.98Steady08:15 AM FRI 23/08/19
Styx River at Bruces Bridge1.20Rising10:04 AM FRI 23/08/19
River Derwent at New Norfolk0.75Steady09:21 AM FRI 23/08/19

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 210. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/tas/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Road weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology

Tasmania


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

Issued at 9:57pm on Thursday 22 August 2019.


Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Thursday night and Friday morning in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, 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.

New date for Westerway movie night

THE Upper Derwent Valley movie night planned for the last school holidays will now go ahead early next month thanks to the support of Westerway Primary School.

The planned screening of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World last month had to be cancelled due to water damage at the original venue, the Westerway Community Hall.

Organised by the Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team (D'FAT), the movie will now be seen at the local primary school on September 7. All welcome.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is the final installment in the How to Train Your Dragon film trilogy. Released in January, the computer-animated action fantasy film is the sequel to How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), which followed 2010's How to Train Your Dragon, loosely based on the 2003 book of the same name by British author Cressida Cowell.

Entry costs $2 per person and the event will start at 7pm. Food and drinks will be available and children under six (accompanied by a paying adult) will be admitted free. This is a drug and alcohol-free event.

A spokesman said D'FAT was grateful for the support from Westerway Primary School. For more information contact D'FAT by emailing info@dfat.com.au, looking up the Facebook page or by calling Matt on 0459 096 003.

Click image to enlarge.

Local Government office "aware" of council issues

Cr Paul Belcher.
A COUNCILLOR'S request for a formal inquiry into social media comments by elected members has been refused by Derwent Valley Council general manager Greg Winton.

During councillor question time at the end of last week's council meeting, Cr Paul Belcher said there were comments online, allegedly from other elected members, dealing with Mr Winton's employment contract and accusations about the former Valley Vision economic development group.

Addressing mayor Ben Shaw, Cr Belcher said there had been "a little bit of stuff going around on the social media" and he noted the mayor's announcement of earlier that day, where he said the messages had been "doctored."

"Yep, I had a statement that I read at the start of the meeting as well," Cr Shaw said for the benefit of Cr Belcher who had arrived late.

Turning to Mr Winton, Cr Belcher asked: "Mr General Manager, will you request the Director of Local Government to do an investigation into the posts on the social media which is alleged comments from elected members to do to deal with your contract and also a question, accusations, about Valley Vision? So the question is will you request the Director of Local Government to do an investigation of the social media posts?"

Mr Winton said he would not be doing so. "No, I'm not going to contact the director to invite him, instruct him, I can't instruct him anyway. I am aware that the Local Government Division are aware of those posts," he said.

During public question time earlier in the meeting, local resident and former councillor Chris Lester asked Mayor Shaw about Facebook posts from the time of the recent Tynwald Park bird poisoning incident. "Mr Mayor, in a screenshot conversation between yourself and another person, you castigated the GM, made comments about the lack of good governance internally, and you say you absolutely didn't know [about the poisoning] and that you will make management accountable," Mr Lester said.

"You further stated 'I think Marty is making a no-confidence motion in the GM asking him to step down'. You further say 'someone up high must take the fall'. The question is, Mr Mayor, is the former mayor going to move a no-confidence motion tonight?"

Cr Shaw did not comment on the alleged statements as put by Mr Lester, but said the question of a no-confidence motion was a matter for the former mayor, Cr Martyn Evans, who was welcome to respond if he wished. "Obviously I can't answer that, otherwise if it happens it happens, if it doesn't it doesn't," Cr Shaw said.

Cr Evans said he would answer. "I make my decisions on informed information, so I'll consider what I'll put up at the time and I'll do it - if I do it - when I want to."

Mr Lester said it seemed Cr Shaw had misreported Cr Evans. "I don't believe so, thank you," Cr Shaw said.

The recording of last Thursday's council meeting is available here. The text of the mayor's apology about Valley Vision can also be read here.

Update to minor flood warning

Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania


Minor Flood Warning for the River Derwent

Issued at 11:25am on Thursday 22 August 2019


Flood Warning Number: 2

Minor flooding is occurring along the lower Derwent River below Meadowbank Dam and is expected to continue during Thursday. Flooding is not expected to extend downstream to Macquarie Plains and New Norfolk.

In the 24 hours to 9 am Thursday rainfall of up to 31 mm was observed in the Derwent River catchment. No significant rainfall is forecast for the remainder of Thursday.

River levels are high in the upper Derwent, Nive and Florentine Rivers.

Strong and dangerous flows will be a hazard over the next couple of days.


River Derwent above River Ouse:

Strong river rises are occurring in the upper River Derwent and its tributaries.

River Derwent above Meadowbank Dam:

Strong river rises are occurring in the middle reaches of the River Derwent.

Tyenna River:

River levels are easing along the Tyenna River.

Styx River:

River levels are easing along the Styx River about Bruces Bridge.

River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam:

Minor flooding is occurring along the River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam.

The River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam is currently at 4.54 metres and steady. The River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam is expected to remain above the minor flood level (4.10 m) during Thursday.

The River Derwent at Macquarie Plains is currently at 3.15 metres and steady. The River Derwent at Macquarie Plains is expected to remain below the minor flood level (4.00 m) during Thursday.


Flood Safety Advice:

FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.tas.gov.au

Road closure information is available at www.police.tas.gov.au

For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500

For life threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Next Issue:

The next warning will be issued by 11am on Friday 23 August 2019.


Latest River Heights:

LocationHeight of River (m)TendencyDate/Time of Observation
River Derwent below Lake St Clair2.26Steady10:30 AM THU 22/08/19
River Ouse at Ashton1.45Steady10:30 AM THU 22/08/19
River Ouse at 3B Weir1.14Steady10:00 AM THU 22/08/19
River Clyde at Bothwell0.41Steady10:00 AM THU 22/08/19
River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam4.54Steady10:45 AM THU 22/08/19
River Derwent at Macquarie Plains3.15Steady10:51 AM THU 22/08/19
Tyenna River at Newbury1.09Steady10:15 AM THU 22/08/19
Styx River at Bruces Bridge1.33Falling11:04 AM THU 22/08/19
River Derwent at New Norfolk1.18Rising10:57 AM THU 22/08/19

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 210. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/tas/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts.

Thursday weather warning wrap

Minor Flood Warning | Warning to Sheep Graziers | Damaging Winds Warning | Gale Warning (click for the latest updates and for the full marine wind warnings)


Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

For people in King Island, Furneaux Islands, Western, Upper Derwent Valley, South East, North West Coast, Central Plateau and parts of East Coast, Central North and Midlands Forecast Districts.
Issued at 10:51 pm Wednesday, 21 August 2019.
DAMAGING WINDS POSSIBLE WEDNESDAY NIGHT INTO THURSDAY MORNING.
Plan Image
Weather Situation:
Strong and gusty southwesterly winds will increase during Wednesday evening as a cold front crosses Tasmania.
DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS are possible in western, southern and central areas, as well as over the Bass Strait islands and lower east coast. DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts near 100 km/h are possible, although exposed coastal locations and elevated areas above 400 metres may experience gusts over 110 km/h.
Winds are expected to ease during Thursday morning.
Locations which may be affected include Burnie, Swansea, Strahan, New Norfolk, Hobart and Dover.
Maximum wind gust observations over the past 6 hours include: 131 km/h Mount Read, 119 km/h Cape Grim, 104 km/h Cape Sorell, 94 km/h Low Rocky Point.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Supervise children closely.
* Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings.
* Manage pets and livestock.
* Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment.
* Be prepared in case of power outages and report any outages to TasNetworks on 132 004.
* Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.
* Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5am Thursday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Warning to Sheep Graziers

for the Furneaux Islands, North West Coast, North East, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts
Issued at 10:12pm on Wednesday 21 August 2019.
Sheep graziers are warned that cold temperatures, showers and strong southwesterly winds are expected during Wednesday and Thursday. Areas likely to be affected include the Furneaux Islands, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts and parts of the North West Coast and North East forecast districts. There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.
The next warning will be issued by 5am Thursday.

Initial Minor Flood Warning for the River Derwent

Issued at 10:44am on Wednesday 21 August 2019
Flood Warning Number: 1
Minor flooding may develop along the lower Derwent River below Meadowbank Dam during Wednesday. Flooding is not expected to extend downstream to Macquarie Plains and New Norfolk.
In the 24 hours to 9 am Wednesday, widespread rainfall totals between 10-40 mm were observed in the Derwent River catchment, with isolated higher totals up to 67 mm at Narcissus River.
Widespread rainfall totals of 10-20 mm are forecast for the remainder of Wednesday and 5-15 mm for Thursday. No significant rainfall is forecast for Friday.
River levels are high in the upper Derwent, Nive, Florentine, Tyenna, Styx and Plenty Rivers.
Strong and dangerous flows will be a hazard over the next couple of days.

River Derwent above River Ouse:

Strong river rises are occurring in the upper River Derwent and its tributaries.

River Derwent above Meadowbank Dam:

Strong river rises are occurring in the middle reaches of the River Derwent.

Tyenna River:

Strong river rises are occurring in the Tyenna River.

Styx River:

Minor flooding has eased along the Styx River about Bruces Bridge.

River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam:

Minor flooding may occur along the River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam.
The River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam is currently at 3.77 metres and steady. The River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam may reach the minor flood level (4.10 m) during Wednesday.
The River Derwent at Macquarie Plains is currently at 2.17 metres and rising. The River Derwent at Macquarie Plains is expected to remain below the minor flood level (4.00 m) during Wednesday.

Flood Safety Advice:

FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.tas.gov.au
Road closure information is available at www.police.tas.gov.au
For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500.
For life threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Next Issue:

The next warning will be issued by 11:30am on Thursday 22 August 2019.

Latest River Heights:

LocationHeight of River (m)TendencyDate/Time of Observation
River Derwent below Lake St Clair2.19Steady10:00 AM WED 21/08/19
River Ouse at Ashton0.93Rising10:00 AM WED 21/08/19
River Ouse at 3B Weir0.79Steady10:00 AM WED 21/08/19
River Clyde at Bothwell0.07Steady10:00 AM WED 21/08/19
River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam3.77Steady10:15 AM WED 21/08/19
River Derwent at Macquarie Plains2.18Rising10:25 AM WED 21/08/19
Tyenna River at Newbury1.51Falling10:15 AM WED 21/08/19
Styx River at Bruces Bridge1.50Falling10:29 AM WED 21/08/19
River Derwent at New Norfolk1.03Falling10:22 AM WED 21/08/19
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 210. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/tas/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts.

Marine Wind Warning Summary

Issued at 10:16pm on Wednesday 21 August 2019
for the period until midnight Thursday 22 August 2019.

Wind Warnings for Wednesday 21 August

Gale Warning for the following areas:
Frederick Henry Bay and Norfolk Bay, Storm Bay, Central Plateau Lakes, Far North West Coast, Central North Coast, Banks Strait and Franklin Sound, East of Flinders Island, Upper East Coast, Lower East Coast, South East Coast, South West Coast and Central West Coast
Strong Wind Warning for the following areas:
Derwent Estuary, Channel and South West Lakes

Wind Warnings for Thursday 22 August

Gale Warning for the following areas:
Derwent Estuary, Frederick Henry Bay and Norfolk Bay, Storm Bay, Channel, Central Plateau Lakes, Far North West Coast, Central North Coast, Banks Strait and Franklin Sound, East of Flinders Island, Upper East Coast, Lower East Coast, South East Coast, South West Coast and Central West Coast
Strong Wind Warning for the following area:
South West Lakes
The next marine wind warning summary will be issued by 5am Thursday.
Check the latest Coastal Waters Forecast or Local Waters Forecast for information on wind, wave and weather conditions for these coastal zones.