The Tasmanian Government is standing with communities impacted by these terrible floods.
While the rains are easing, which is pleasing, we are not out of the woods yet, and waters are still rising in some areas as flood waters move downstream.
We would again like to recognise the work of our emergency services and local governments, who do an outstanding job responding to hundreds of requests for assistance, under very difficult circumstances.
We know that many people have been impacted, and we continue to do all we can to get our communities through this challenging period.
This includes those working in our vital agricultural sector, and we have been liaising closely with industry bodies such as the TFGA, DairyTas and Fruit Growers Tasmania as the situation evolves.
Initial feedback indicates there has been impacts to livestock operations, fencing, cropping, milk production, and disruptions to transport.
However, it has been encouraging to hear in many cases people had time to prepare their properties, and so far there are no reports of any major damage or stock loss.
We know the events over the past couple of days and what might come in days ahead is causing anxiety for many and we continue to monitor the situation closely, and stand ready to provide support.
When it is safe do to so, NRE Tasmania staff will assess the level of agricultural impact to help build a better picture of the clean-up task ahead, and to inform recovery support and programs.
As part of our Government’s commitment to stand with flood-affected communities, we will assess damage to community infrastructure and start to support council and state-owned assets to be restored and rebuilt.
We look forward to addressing this in partnership with federal and local government when we move from the current response phase to the recovery phase.
And of course, for updates on the current weather and safety information please go to the www.alert.tas.gov.au/
SUPPORT:
- Farmers can contact the FarmPoint hotline on 1300 292 292, or Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026 or go to business.tas.gov.au to register impacts due to the current weather conditions.
- Any producer who is suffering immediate financial hardship can also contact Rural Business Tasmania on 1300 88 3276 to access free financial counselling support.
If your business is impacted by the severe weather conditions, please contact Business Tasmania for assistance at www.business.tas.gov.au or call 1800 440 026.
