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ABC News
ABC News
National
By Ros Lehman and staff

Tasmanians urged to be vigilant as the flood threat eases but premier warns 'not over yet'

Residents in northern Tasmania have been urged to remain vigilant as floodwaters continue to pose a threat.

Warnings have been downgraded to watch and act in some areas but authorities say the danger has not yet passed.

Several records have been set in recent days with the Bureau of Meteorology saying some areas have exceeded the highest levels in 100 years.

SES Acting Director Leon Smith said the record-breaking rain was still making its way down through catchments and the  response was still in an operational phase.

"The northern catchments are tidal affected and at this point in time Tasmanians can not become complacent as there will be fluctuations in the levels due to the tidal activity," he said.

"This phase will continue into the next couple of days."

The South Esk and North Esk rivers which feed into the Tamar River in Launceston are being closely monitored.

A prepare-to-evacuate order for Hadspen was downgraded on Sunday to watch and act for residents from Hadspen to Blackstone Heights and surrounds.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has visited flood-stricken regions in the state's north-west where the immediate danger has passed and residents have returned to clean up their properties. 

He praised the efforts of emergency services and said planning and communication improvements since the devastating 2016 floods had saved lives.

But he said the state was not in the clear yet.

"The collaborative effort of all entities across our state emergency been outstanding and has kept our community safe but we are not in the clear yet," he said.

"We have river levels that are still very, very high — dangerously high — and we are still in an unpredictable weather pattern with rainfall predicted potentially across the rest of the week, so we need to be vigilant.

Emergency management minister Felix Ellis also praised emergency workers and volunteers.

"The preparation, the communication and the emergency response has undoubtedly saved the lives of Tasmanians so far," Mr Ellis said.

The premier said there would be assistance for individuals and businesses affected by flooding.

"We are here to support you, we are with you and we will stand by you as you lean into your recovery over the next days, weeks and months." 

Damage bill being assessed

So far, 53 homes, 17 businesses and 19 community buildings have been confirmed as directly impacted by floodwaters.

About 400 homes across the state are being assessed for potential flood damage.

Meander business Timber World was one of the local businesses which bore the brunt, with stock in the sawmill's yard scattered and smashed and other timber taken downstream.

Timber World owner Bronte Booth said while his workers were able to move some assets, the flood was worse than expected.

"We've been totally wiped out, everything's far exceeded the levels we thought we were going to get," he said.

"We had all of our guys moving (machinery and stock) back on to the part which didn't use to flood … but the climate's changing now and it just exceeded all expectations.

"It was a one-in-100-year flood, I suppose with climate change, who knows, we might have to revise what we're doing."

Mr Booth said his business would take a big financial hit, he was also concerned about the impact on his 15 employees as the operation tried to get back on its feet.

He said he would be seeking government assistance.

"Once you start adding everything up it's probably a quarter of a million dollars loss for us, we think," he said.

"The cost of the clean up might cost as much as the wood is worth."

Reminder to heed warning signs

Tasmanians are being urged to obey road closure signs with reports some people are taking risks on flood-damaged infrastructure.

Authorities say several roads remain closed because of landslides and bridges being washed away.

The SES has raised concerns about drivers ignoring road closure signs.

Latrobe mayor Peter Freshney said authorities did not want to have to deal with "sticky beaks" taking up resources needed elsewhere. 

Mr Ellis urged residents to heed warnings and road closures.

"Things might look fine at the sign but further down the track it is an absolute mess, whether its trees over roads, roads completely washed out or floodwaters which as we know are dangerous and disgusting," he said.

A major road up to the central highlands is likely to be shut for an extended period after a landslide caused severe damage.

Large boulders destroyed the culvert under Poatina Road near where the Hydro pipes run up the side of the mountain.

The Frankford Highway at Saxon Creek will also be shut for some time after flood waters washed away a bridge.

The Spirit of Tasmania will resume passenger services on Monday after three days of cancellations.

For the latest updates and warnings head to the Tas Alerts website.

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