Local fires under control

HELICOPTERS continue to operate from the New Norfolk Fire Station today, keeping watch over fires in the region.

The 43 hectare bushfire at Plenty Valley Rd, Glenfern, has been contained but smoke may still be visible in the Glenfern and Mt Lloyd areas. Check here for updates.

Similarly, the 130 hectare fire at Magra/Dromedary has been contained within the Mt Dromedary Conservation Area and there is no immediate threat to communities. Smoke may be visible in this area and a helicopter remains on duty. Click here for updates.

If there is any fire activity causing you concern, report it to the Tasmania Fire Service by calling triple zero (000). For information on current road closures, please visit the Tasmania Police website: http://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/

Save the date: Christmas Parade on December 12

The star attraction at last year's parade.

THE New Norfolk Business Alliance has appointed the Derwent Valley Rotary Club to organise this year's New Norfolk Christmas Parade, which will be held in High St on December 12. This follows several years of the parade being organised by the Lions and Rotary clubs in partnership.

Derwent Valley garage sale trail

Click logo for more information

Top-class cycling in the Valley tomorrow

The Strathgordon to New Norfok road race course map.
Click image to enlarge.

IN order to safely conduct the stage one of the 2015 Tour of Tasmania from Strathgordon to New Norfolk tomorrow, there will be changed traffic conditions in some roads and streets to allow for the setting up and conclusion of the event.

The Strathgordon to New Norfolk road race covers 119.9km, starting at the Lake Pedder Chalet at 10.30am and making its way to New Norfolk via Gordon River Rd and Glenora Rd for an estimated 1.30pm finish in Pioneer Ave at Arthur Square.

The challenging first 60km section sees two tough climbs, followed by the with a super-fast final 60km that finishes in the middle of New Norfolk. Past winners are Wesley Sulzberger in 2014 and Alex Edmonson in 2013.

Derwent Valley Council general manager Greg Winton asks residents and road users affected by this event to make allowances for interruptions and delays while this event is being held. "Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during this time," Mr Winton said. The affected roads and streets are:

• Bathurst St and High St (from Bathurst to Stephen St), closed from 12.45pm to 2pm.
• Stephen St (from High St to Pioneer Ave), closed from 10.30am to 3.30pm.  
• Pioneer Ave (between Hackett St and Bathurst St), closed from 10.30am to 3.30pm 
• Gordon River Rd and Glenora Rd: Rolling road closures will be managed by Tasmania Police from the start of the road race in Strathgordon to the finish in New Norfolk.

Believe it or not...

Bureau of Meteorology

Warning to sheep graziers

for the Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts
Issued at 10:03am on Tuesday 6 October 2015.

Sheep graziers are warned that cold temperatures, showers and strong westerly winds are expected during Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Areas likely to be affected include parts of the Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts. There is a high risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.

The next warning will be issued by 5pm Tuesday.

Very high fire danger in the Valley

Fire Weather Warning

for the Upper Derwent Valley, Furneaux Islands, North East, East Coast, Midlands and South East forecast districts
Issued at 9:34 pm on Monday 5 October 2015.

Weather Situation: Temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s, low relative humidity, and north-west winds averaging 40 to 50km/h are expected. Wind gusts may reach 100km/h during the day in the east and south.

For Tuesday 6 October:
Severe Fire Danger is forecast for the following forecast districts: East Coast and South East
Very High Fire Danger is forecast for the following forecast districts: Upper Derwent Valley, Furneaux Islands, North East and Midlands.

The Tasmania Fire Service advises you to:

• Check your bushfire survival plan - Now.
• Monitor the fire and weather situation on ABC radio or through www.fire.tas.gov.au.
• If power supplies fail, listen on your car radio.

The Tasmania Fire Service advises that if you are in an area of Very High or Severe Fire Danger:

• Get ready now to leave for a safe place.
• Leave immediately if fire breaks out near you.
• Only stay if your home is well prepared to withstand fire and you can actively defend it.

The next warning will be issued by 5am Tuesday.

Severe Weather Warning

for damaging winds
for people in the Upper Derwent Valley, Western, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts

Issued at 9:33 pm EST on Monday 5 October 2015.
For eastern and southern Tasmania.

Weather Situation
A cold front will cross Tasmania during Tuesday afternoon, with northwesterly winds strengthening as it approaches.

DAMAGING WINDS around 60 km/h with peak gusts of 110 km/h are forecast for the East Coast and South East forecast districts and parts of the Western, Midlands and Upper Derwent Valley forecast districts.

The State Emergency Service and Tasmania Police advise that people should:

• Supervise children closely
• Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment
• Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings
• Manage pets and livestock
• Be prepared in case of power outages
• 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 flood and storm emergency assistance, contact the SES on 13 25 00

The next warning will be issued by 5am Tuesday.

Marine Wind Warning

Issued at 10pm on Monday 5 October 2015
for the period until midnight Tuesday 6 October 2015.

Wind Warnings for Tuesday 6 October
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, East of Flinders Island 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 Tuesday.

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

Total fire ban Tuesday

TOTAL FIRE BAN - SOUTHERN TASMANIA
October 6, 2015

DUE to very high winds and locally warm weather conditions forecasted for tomorrow (Tuesday), Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Gavin Freeman has extended the declared total fire ban announced today to include all of the Northern and Southern Tasmanian regions from midnight tonight (October 5) until midnight tomorrow (October 6).

"Bushfires once again, will be very difficult to control tomorrow," Mr Freeman said. "We now have several fires burning around the state and a prediction of a very high fire danger rating for much of the south for tomorrow means that a total fire ban is needed. Additionally the North will now be impacted by very high fire danger and there will now be a total fire ban for that region as well."

A total fire ban applies in
northern and southern Tasmania
on October 6.

Mr Freeman said the Tasmanian community acted in a very responsible and diligent way during Saturday's total fire ban. "We thank them for their assistance and ask that this continues through tomorrow and the rest of the fire season."

The TFS responded to more than 60 vegetation fires on Saturday, which illustrates that even without total drying of the landscape, there is still a very real risk of fire and people need to be ready

While the ban is in place please avoid non-essential water use. Turning off sprinkler systems and using hoses sparingly will help ensure that water is available for firefighting and protecting properties should it be required.

Use of machinery that emit sparks, such as grinding, cutting and welding tools are banned during a total fire ban as this type of activity has the potential to start fires.

People should monitor the local ABC radio station or visit TFS website (www.fire.tas.gov.au) to keep up to date with conditions.

Mr Freeman said everyone living in and around the bush needs to review their Bushfire Survival Plan now and be prepared to implement that plan if required. Details on how to prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan, preparing your property for bushfires, or other fire safety tips can be found from the front page of the TFS website www.fire.tas.gov.au

The TFS encourages people to register all burning activities they may be conducting by calling 1800 000 699 throughout the year.

All fires should be reported by dialling 000.

General advice on a day of Total Fire Ban

Tools and Equipment: Tools and equipment that use a naked flame or generate sparks such as welding or grinding, must not be used in the open air. If essential works are required to be done a special permit may be issued, after a thorough investigation of each application. Apply to your TFS Regional Office.

Barbecues that use wood, charcoal or other solid fuel are banned: Gas and electric barbecues are permitted subject to the strict application of the conditions set out below. Gas and electric barbecues provided in public reserves/campsites may be used providing:

• the barbecue is electric or gas fired
• the barbecue is fixed permanent structure.

Portable gas and electric barbecues may be used provided the barbecue is located within 20 metres of a permanent dwelling (mobile homes, caravans or tents are not classified as permanent dwellings).

Additional conditions that apply to the use of portable electric and gas fired barbecues and barbecues in public reserves and campsites:

• the area for 3 metres around and above the barbecue is completely cleared of flammable material.
• an adult is in attendance at all times
• a tap with hose connected is ready for use
• at least 10 litres of water is on hand in case of emergency.

Water Usage: For information regarding water usage during a day of Total Fire Ban please refer to www.taswater.com.au