Helping out – boots and all

THE damage to Tasmanian homes and businesses after last week’s floods has increased to about $28 million and the Insurance Council of Australia expects more claims over coming weeks and possibly months.

Council spokesman Campbell Fuller said claims to insurers had surged from 2150 on Monday to 4306 yesterday, jumping from $19 million to about $28 million.

“We expect that increase to continue for many weeks and maybe months after such events,” he said.

“Most claims are for residential properties.

“Businesses are also making claims and there has been damage to motor vehicles.”

Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Christie said this week council damages were up to about $20 million, taking the cost to about $50 million.

RACT insurance said the storm had led to the greatest number of claims in a decade, with some 1500 claims for more than $5 million.

RACT Insurance chief executive Trent Sayers said about 10 of its customers were still in temporary accommodation because their flooded premises were not yet habitable.

Pinnacle Rd to Mt Wellington is still closed but some of the mountain’s most popular walks will be open and accessible from entries at Fern Tree, Old Farm Rd and the Cascade Walking Track near the brewery.

The Margate Primary School is doing its bit as the community continues to band together to help a local business damaged in the floods.

The school’s 470 students are encouraged to wear gumboots and donate a gold coin on Monday to help the Brookfield Shed continue its clean-up works and reopen.

The interior of the cafe and live music venue was wrecked by water and the damage extended to owner Julia Ridgers’ home.

In a Facebook video, two members of the school’s student council said Margate was a caring community and a school spokeswoman said she was sure the fundraiser would be supported.