Feds offer funds as claims rocket

INSURERS have received more than 2000 claims from households and businesses in the state’s South-East as a result of Thursday’s storm, with numbers expected to climb.

Insurance Council of Australia communications general manager Campbell Fuller said the insurance bill accounted for $19.2 million in losses.

The scale of the damage has prompted the Federal Government to make disaster assistance available to those affected by the weather event.

Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security Angus Taylor, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said the storm caused major disruptions and substantial damage.

“People have suffered extensive damage to their homes, businesses and livelihoods and are facing a significant cleanup,” he said.

The funding is being made available through the Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

Premier Will Hodgman said the assistance would provide “a much-needed helping hand to affected families and also help local councils clean up and restore damaged infrastructure.”

The grants – for temporary living expenses, essential household items and repair, restoration and clean-up – are available in the municipalities of Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glenorchy, Hobart, Huon Valley and Kingborough.

For information on the grants, call Housing Tasmania on 1300 665 663. The grants will be available for three months.

Mr Muller said insurers had received 2150 claims as of yesterday with most of them for residential properties.

“It’s early days and it can take days and even weeks for households and businesses to lodge claims.”

One of those affected is South Hobart small business owner Jason Haas. He runs Aircon Industries and Retro Steel Furniture at Degraves St, one of the hardest-hit areas in Hobart on Thursday night.

Both his family-owned businesses were smashed by floodwater.

“When I arrived it was a scene of utter devastation,” Mr Haas said. “It was heartbreaking.” He said he was covered for the loss of income and earnings and also wages to be paid.

“It’s really bad but not horrendous and won’t send us broke,” he said.

RestorX, a national structural restoration and drying company, has deployed more than 70 skilled tradespeople to southern Tasmania. Its parent company, John Lyng Group, says extra team members interstate remain on standby.

A spokesman said the company expected more damage to be exposed as people regain access to their homes and business premises.

Mr Fuller said those waiting for insurance assessment should take photos or video of the damage before cleaning up.

He warned scammers preyed upon vulnerable people and urged anyone to ask for identification if a builder or assessor arrives offering services and contact their insurer.

Householders can call 1800 734 621 for insurance queries or visit www.disasters.org.au.

Pinnacle Rd on kunanyi/ Mount Wellington remains closed with fears of structural damage and many tracks and walks have also been affected.

Residents of Glen Dhu Rd at Molesworth, east of New Norfolk, were cut off when a bridge about 3.8km from Molesworth Rd was damaged and covered by debris.

Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans said contractors and council workers yesterday stabilised the bridge and about 12 homes could now be accessed by vehicles weighing less than five tonnes.

“We cleared debris and stabilised it but it [the bridge] needs to be replaced,” he said.

Cr Evans said at least six bridges in the Molesworth and Lachlan area had suffered damage during the flooding.