SOUTH ESK RIVER AND MACQUARIE RIVER FLOOD DATA BOOK

Land and Water Management Branch Resource Management and Conservation Division June 2000 South Esk River Flood Data Book

This Book Forms a Part of the Requirements for Emergency Management Reporting

Liza Fallon David Fuller Bryce Graham Land and Water Management Branch Resource Management and Conservation Division.

Report Series WRA 00/03 June 2000. Emergency Management Australia South Esk River Flood Data Book

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GLOSSARY 4

ACRONYMS 5

1. INTRODUCTION 6

Flood Data Books 6

Data Sources 6

2. THE ENVIRONMENT 7

Catchments and Drainage Systems 7

Climate and Rainfall 7

3. FLOODING OF THE SOUTH ESK AND MACQUARIE RIVERS 9

4. FLOOD ANALYSIS 15

5. RECORDS OF FLOODING 18

6. NEW RECORDS OF FLOODING 38

REFERENCES 39 PLATES

Cover Plate: May 1986 – Flooding of the South Esk River at Longford. Plate 1: Pre 1870 – The Macquarie River at Woolmers Estate near Longford. Plate 2: April 1929 – The Macquarie River at Woolmers Estate near Longford. Plate 3: April 1929 – Floodwaters rising above the Stationmaster’s house at Evandale. Plate 4: April 1929 – Floodwaters under the Gorge Bridge at Launceston. Plate 5: April 1929 – Floodwaters around the Tamar Rowing Sheds at Launceston. Plate 6: Pre 1929 – The Perth Bridge before it was destroyed in the 1929 flood. Plate 7: April 1929 – Floodwaters rising up the piers of the Perth Bridge. Plate 8: April 1929 – The flood peak and the Perth Bridge. Plate 9: April 1929 – The remains of the Perth Bridge after the 1929 flood. Plate 10: May 1969 – Flooding at the Rhodes property near Longford. Plate 11: May 1986 – Flooding of the Macquarie River and the Longford oval. Plate 12: April 1989 – Flooding of the South Esk River at Hadspen. Emergency Management Australia South Esk River Flood Data Book GLOSSARY

Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) A measure of the likelihood (expressed as a probability) of a flood reaching or exceeding a particular magnitude. For example, a 1% (AEP) flood has a 1% (or 1 in a 100) chance of occurring or being exceeded at a location in any one year.

Australian Height Datum (ADH) The datum surface is the mean sea level for 1972 at the tide gauges at Hobart and Burnie. River level heights are benchmarked (marked point in a line of levels) to mean sea level.

Catchment The land area that drains into a particular watercourse (river, stream or creek). It can be a natural topographic division of the landscape, although the underlying geological formations may alter the perceived catchment area suggested solely by topography (limestone caves are an example of this).

Cumec The basic stream flow unit expressed as cubic metres per second (m3/s).

Discharge The passage of flood flow volume with time. Discharge can be separated into direct runoff (overland flow, interflow and storm flow) and base flow (contributions of ground water spread out over longer periods of time).

Ephemeral A transitory event. A channel, stream or river which only flows after a rainfall event.

Extreme Flood A rare and unusually severe flood that is greater in magnitude than the 1% AEP event, and possibly approaching the magnitude of the Probable Maximum Flood.

Flood Inundations of water over land as a result of overflow from rivers or the inflow of tide. Flood runoff results from short duration highly intense rainfall, long duration low intensity rainfall, snowmelt, failure of dam or levee system, or a combination of these conditions.

Flood Plain Land which is covered by water when a river overflows its banks during flooding. The extent of the flood plain will normally be greater than the area covered in a 1% AEP event.

Hydraulics The study of water flow in a river and across a flood plain and the evaluation of the river flow characteristics (ie river height and velocity).

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Hydrology A study of the rainfall-runoff process as it relates to the development of flooding and the derivation of hydrographs for given floods.

Inundation The flooding of an area so that it is submerged or covered with water.

Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) The flood calculated to be the most severe which is likely to occur at a particular location. Such a flood would result from the most sever combination of critical meteorological and hydrological conditions.

Rain Shadow An area that receives relatively little rain due to its location. A rain shadow is often formed in the lee of a mountain range.

State Datum (SD) Tasmania The datum surface where the mean sea level at Hobart was determined over a period of thirty years prior to 1905.

ACRONYMS

BOM - Bureau of Meteorology DPIWE - Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment DPIF - Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (replaced by DPIWE) DPI - Department of Primary Industry (replaced by DPIF) EMA - Emergency Management Australia HEC - Hydro Electric Commission IDNDR - International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction RWSC - Rivers and Water Supply Commission SES - State Emergency Service

5 Emergency Management Australia South Esk River Flood Data Book 1. Introduction Flood Data Books

Flood Data Books are an important initiative funded by the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction and the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE).

Flood Data Books are a new concept in flood plain management in Tasmania. The books are a collation of existing information on rural floods and their extent. The information includes photographs, maps of flood extent, flood profiles, and a tabulation of heights reached by floods (where the information is available). Alternative approaches such as comprehensive but costly floodplain mapping programs are unrealistic for rural areas. Typically the information is not sufficient to undertake these programs, and the areal extent of floods make such projects prohibitively expensive.

Flood Data Books will be located in your local government office and are intended to be living documents updated over time to aid in floodplain planning decisions. If large floods occur, a comprehensive photographic record can provide valuable information for future planning at minimal cost.

Community groups such as Landcare and Waterwatch, or various farming groups are encouraged to contribute their own flood information to these books to make them as effective as possible for current and future generations.

Data Sources

Data sources used to compile this Flood Data Book include newspaper articles, media records, official records and reports, internal documents, departmental photographs and anecdotal information. As a number of sources have been used, the accuracy of many of the records cannot be verified and care should be exercised when interpreting the information. In addition, properties identified in this book do not represent a list of areas affected by flooding but are properties where some flood information has been provided to DPIWE. Over time, as additional information is collected and added to this record, the level of accuracy regarding flooding and the locations affected should increase.

River level heights are benchmarked (marked point in a line of levels) to mean sea level. In Tasmania, mean sea level was established prior to 1905 and again during 1972. In response to these calculations there have been a number of statewide datum shifts, and two level adjustments were applied in 1979 and 1983. Heights computed in the 1979 adjustment are known as Australian Height Datum (AHD) 79 heights and heights computed in the 1983 adjustment are known as AHD 83 heights (Bowden and Prichard, 1992). As a result, to convert data from the State Datum (SD) system used prior to 1972 to the current AHD system, a conversion factor needs to be applied. In the Hobart region, an approximate conversion of minus 0.165 should be applied to SD data.

It is unknown if river level heights in the historical record have been reported as SD or AHD data. As this information has been collated from reports prepared some time ago (often the date can not be verified) it can only be assumed that the SD system applies.

6 Emergency Management Australia South Esk River Flood Data Book 2. The Environment

Catchments and Drainage Systems

The South Esk Basin is the largest water catchment in Tasmania at approximately 8,900km2, refer Figure 1. This catchment is made up of three major sub-catchments all of which experience individual environmental conditions (Bobbi et al., 1995). The South Esk catchment to the east covers approximately 3,650km2 and the three main tributaries toward the top of the basin – the Break O’Day River, Saint Pauls River and Nile River, drain it. This river rises in the North Eastern Highlands near Mathinna and passes through the Fingal Valley before draining through the Launceston Tertiary Basin into the River Tamar Estuary at Launceston. At Launceston, tidal influences are notable in the River Tamar Estuary and the mouth of the South Esk River at the Home Reach.

To the south, the Macquarie catchment covers approximately 3,800km2 and it is drained by the Macquarie River which rises in two branches (Steane, 1968). The northern branch rises from just south of Lake Leake in broken country and the southern branch rises from Tooms Lake. The combined streams then flow west-northwest before being joined by the Elizabeth River and then Lake River. This somewhat ephemeral river is regulated and flow is supplemented by human activities either from Tooms Lake and Lake Leake, or discharges from the , established in 1964.

The Macquarie River flows into the South Esk River at Longford. Longford is within the upper part of the large flood plain known as the Hadspen Retarding Basin and when river levels are high water backs up considerably into the Macquarie River as well as spreading out down stream at Longford (Hydro-Electric Commission, 1992).

The Meander catchment covers an area of approximately 1,400km2. Although this catchment contributes flow to the South Esk Basin, flooding in this region has not been analysed in this book as insufficient resources to undertake field work in this area has led to a lack of data.

Climate and Rainfall

Rainfall is variable across the South Esk Basin and the average annual rainfall ranges from approximately 500mm at Ross in the Macquarie catchment to over 1200mm at Gray on the eastern boundary of the South Esk catchment (Bobbi, et al., 1995). Rainfall in the South Esk catchment is strongly affected by topography with low rainfall to the west and the highest rainfall to the east. The upper Macquarie River catchment is one of the driest areas in Tasmania as it lies in the rain shadow of both the westerly and easterly systems. The area is prone to drought and much of the catchment receives less than 600 mm of rainfall/year. In the Meander catchment there is a significant decrease in rainfall from approximately 1200mm rainfall/year on the slopes of the Great Western Tiers to approximately 750mm rainfall/year at Lake Trevallyn in the east.

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Figure 1: The South Esk and Macquarie Catchments (Lands Department, 1992).

8 Emergency Management Australia South Esk River Flood Data Book 3. Flooding of the South Esk and Macquarie Rivers

Historic flooding throughout Tasmania was first reported in September 1828. At this time, flow down the South Esk River at Launceston was estimated to have been approximately 80% of the flow experienced during the 1929 flood (State Emergency Service, 1990). During this flood, most bridges in the Midlands were carried away and although the bridge at Ross survived, it was completely covered by water. Severe flooding was recorded across the Midlands on the 3rd October 1828 and on the 30th September 1844, the South Esk and Midlands flooded. In 1852, major flooding at Launceston was recorded on the 17th July and this event was considered to be the highest since 1828 (Livingston, 1896). Many road bridges were washed away and floodwaters from the Macquarie River rose 1.5 metres above the parapet of the Ross Bridge. Severe flooding in this region was again recorded on the 11th August 1852 when the North and South Esk Rivers, the Macquarie River and other tributaries rose to unprecedented heights. At this time, floodwaters were considered most destructive in Launceston, and the King’s Bridge at Longford and two arches of the Perth Bridge were washed away. The Ross Bridge was again submerged in August 1854 and in September 1854, heavy rainfall nearly carried the bridge away (State Emergency Service, 1990).

On the 16th December 1863, floodwaters rose 40cms above that of the 1929 flood peak in Charles Street, Launceston and this event is considered as possibly the most severe flood to occur here as well as at Campbell Town, Ross and other areas (Hydro-Electric Commission, 1992). During this flood one of the piers on the Perth Bridge was damaged and King’s Bridge at Longford was once again washed away. In 1870, flooding in the South Esk at Longford was recorded on the 9th September and on the 18th May 1872, the flow of this River was considered as probably similar to the 1969 event (State Emergency Service, 1990). Heavy flooding over the Midlands in June 1872 resulted in water rising 1.8 metres over the road at Ross and in December 1875, the Ross Bridge was once again inundated by the Macquarie River. During April 1880, June and November 1889 and July 1893 major flooding on the South Esk and Macquarie Rivers near Launceston, Longford, Campbell Town, Ross and Avoca were recorded. The Marine Hotel was flooded and the Queen’s Wharf was inundated in Launceston during the June 1889 event. In November 1889, flow at Longford and through the was considered greater than during the earlier event, however, flood damage in Launceston was less due to lower tides.

Plate 1: Pre 1870 – The Macquarie River and pump house at Woolmers Estate near Longford. The Macquarie River is not flooded in this photograph.

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On the 26th April 1910, severe electrical storms were experienced throughout Tasmania and many roads were blocked by floodwaters. During 1911, flooding was recorded for the South Esk and Macquarie Rivers on the 8th March and at Avoca, the South Esk River was 7.5 metres above its normal river level (State Emergency Service, 1990). Flooding was reported to have caused breaks in the railway line between Tunbridge and Campbell Town on the 20th December 1916. In 1923, the North and South Esk Rivers flooded to inundate flat country from Launceston to Newstead on the 20th May and on the 5th June, the worst flood in 20 years was recorded at Longford. Major flooding was again reported at Longford on 12th October 1926 when the township was isolated from Launceston by floodwaters. At Launceston, low-lying areas were underwater at high tide and buildings were threatened.

Extreme and significant flooding was experienced throughout Tasmania on the 4th April 1929. It is reported that the South Esk River rose 9.0 metres above its summer level at Fingal and to 18.0 metres at Evandale – where it was observed that floodwaters rose 2.0 metres higher than the 1852 flood event. An approximate peak discharge of 5000 cumecs at Perth and 4000 cumecs at Longford was estimated for this event (Hydro-Electric Commission, 1992). Longford and Evandale were inundated and low- lying districts in Launceston were flooded to a depth of 3.0 metres or more. Over 4,500 people were reported by the media to have been made homeless during this flood. The Macquarie River at Ross rose 4.2 metres above the summer level and the Ross Bridge was nearly submerged. The main road and railway flooded between Ross and Tunbridge, and bridges were destroyed at Avoca and Fingal. The Perth Bridge was completely destroyed in this flood when it over topped and collapsed.

Plate 2: April 1929 – The Macquarie River and pump house at Woolmers Estate near Longford. Floodwaters are receding in this photograph and an accurate flood peak height is located inside the building.

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Plate 3: April 1929 – Floodwaters rising above the Stationmaster's house at Evandale (to the extreme left). The goods shed, the Evandale Station and the pump house (in the middle of the frame).

Plate 4: April 1929 – This photograph details floodwaters under the Cataract Gorge Bridge at Launceston on the 7th April 1929.

Plate 5: April 1929 – The Gorge Rock Gardens at Launceston detailing floodwaters swirling around the Tamar Rowing Sheds.

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Plate 6: Pre 1929 – This photograph has been copied from the Weekly Courier and pictured is the Perth Bridge before it was destroyed in the 1929 flood.

Plate 7: April 1929 – This photograph has been copied from the Weekly Courier and here, floodwaters are rising up the piers of the Perth Bridge.

Plate 8: April 1929 – The flood peak and the Perth Bridge very shortly before the bridge’s collapse. Floodwaters rose 15cms above the stone wall.

Plate 9: April 1929 – The remains of the Perth Bridge after the 1929 flood.

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The South Esk rose to 6.0 metres above the summer level at Fingal, and to 4.5 metres above the road at Longford on the 19th June 1931. During March 1932 flooding was reported in all northern rivers. In December 1934 the Midlands flooded and in March 1938, heavy rain in the Midlands caused the largest floods since the 1929 event. During July 1944, major flooding was recorded in northern rivers and on the 25th March 1946, the South Esk River rose 7.5 metres at Fingal, 5.0 metres at Symmons Plains and 4.5 metres at King’s Bridge (assumed to be at Longford). Flooding is noted in June 1946 and on the 23rd June 1952, heavy rains (aggravated by snowmelt on the Central Plateau) resulted in widespread flooding. Flooding across the Midlands and on the South Esk River is noted for September and then October 1952, June 1954, July and December 1955, and February 1956. In 1956, severe flooding occurred across the South Esk catchment on the 23rd May and Longford, Hadspen, Mathinna and Rossarden were isolated, and at Symmons Plains the river rose to 4.6 metres. The region once again flooded in June 1956 and the Bass and Midland Highways were closed, and the King’s Bridge at Longford and the Esk Bridge at Evandale were submerged. Flooding was reported on the Macquarie River at Baskerville in 1957 when floodwaters rose 4.5 metres above the summer level. In August 1958, the main railway line from Hobart to Launceston was closed by floodwaters and during October of the same year, major flooding was reported for the South Esk River.

Extreme flooding on the 23rd April 1960 resulted in widespread floodwaters on all Tasmanian rivers. At this time, the Macquarie, Elizabeth, Lake and Liffey Rivers were particularly affected and families were evacuated from the Ross and Liffey areas. The Macquarie River below Ross broke its banks and flooded an area 3.0 kilometres across in places and Longford was isolated. The South Esk River and the Midlands flooded once again in May and July 1960, December 1961, July, August and September 1962, February 1964 and July 1966. The Midland, Tasman, Bass and Lake Highways were cut, Longford was isolated and floodwaters covered King’s Bridge in September 1966. Flooding is recorded throughout Tasmania in August 1968, and on the 30th May 1969, the most severe flood since April 1929 was recorded across the South Esk Basin, particularly at Launceston (Department of Public Works, 1970). The South Esk rose to 8.0 metres at Longford, 10.5 metres at Avoca and 5.3 metres at Symmons Plains. During this event, Avoca, Rossarden, Storys Creek, Mathinna and Mangana were isolated. At Longford, 65 houses were inundated by rising floodwaters and over 250 people were evacuated from the area.

Plate 10: May 1969 – This photograph was taken from the rear of the Rhodes homestead near Longford at approximately the flood maximum.

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Moderate flooding occurred across the Midlands in August and October 1969, and March and June 1970. In 1974, flooding occurred on all northern rivers on the 27th April and on the 7th July, major flooding was reported throughout the South Esk catchment. The Royal George Road was cut in several places and the Story Creek Road was 3.0 metres underwater. Longford was saved from flooding during this flood by levee banks completed in 1973, however, the township was only accessible via Bishopsbourne. Flooding is noted on the South Esk River in July, August and November 1975. Major flooding occurred across the South Esk catchment on the 2nd June 1978 and 13 homes were evacuated. During June 1981, moderate flooding was reported in the Fingal Valley. Launceston received 31mm of rainfall in 6 hours on the 20th February, which resulted in flooding at the intersections of Margaret and Balfour Streets, York and Bathurst Streets and in McHugh Street, Kings Meadows. Flooding occurred in this area again in September, particularly at Longford. In 1986, major flooding was recorded for the South Esk River on the 18th May and during this flood the Fingal Valley flooded, the Esk Bridge at Evandale was underwater, and lower lying areas adjacent to the Longford Caravan Park were inundated. Minor to moderate flooding was reported for the South Esk River in May 1987, September 1988 and April 1989. More recently, flooding occurred in this region during September 1992, December 1993, January 1995 and January 2000.

Plate 11: May 1986 – The Macquarie River detailing flooding of the Longford Caravan Park and surrounding area.

Plate 12: April 1989 – The South Esk River and the picnic grounds near the Old Bass Highway at Hadspen. Here, the flood peak of a moderate flood is detailed.

14 Emergency Management Australia South Esk River Flood Data Book 4. Flood Analysis

Analysis of flooding in the Perth and Longford townships on the South Esk River was completed by the Hydro-Electric Commission, Water Resources Department in the reports titled, Perth – Longford Flood Plain Study (Hydro-Electric Commission, 1992) and the Longford Flood Plain Study Hydraulics Analysis (Hydro-Electric Commission, 1994). In addition, analysis of flooding at Deloraine on the was completed by the Hydro-Electric Commission, Water Resources Department in the report titled, Deloraine Flood Plain Study (Hydro-Electric Commission, 1997). With reference to these reports, full flood plain maps are available. The following analysis extends this information to the rural areas of the South Esk and Macquarie Catchments.

Two major weather systems dominate the South Esk River. Frontal activity from the west brings seasonal rainfall across the South Esk catchment and the occasional intrusion of sub-tropical low-pressure systems from the east carry substantial quantities of rain. As a result, this River is the main source of major flood flows affecting low- lying areas of the Fingal Valley, Longford, Hadspen and Launceston. The upper Macquarie Catchment is one of the driest in Tasmania as it lies in the rain shadow of both the westerly and easterly weather systems. However, westerly low pressure systems do bring cold fronts and high rainfall in late winter – early spring. During these months the Macquarie River often floods, although the severity of these events do not generally cause great loss of property or life (Steane, 1968). The region most affected by flooding of the Macquarie River has been the main road at Ross, where floodwaters have been recorded to a depth of 1.5 metres on occasion.

Since the beginning of flood records in Tasmania ten major events have been documented for the period 1828 to 2000. These events occurred in September 1828, May 1852, July 1852, December 1863, May 1872, June 1889, November 1889, July 1893, April 1929 and May 1969. The following table (Table 1) details the largest floods estimated for the South Esk River at Launceston in order of magnitude.

Table 1: The largest floods estimated for the South Esk River at Launceston in order of magnitude (Livingston, 1986). During these floods the levee banks at Launceston would have overtopped and caused severe flooding.

Rank Date Flood Peak (cumecs)

1 Dec 1863 4625 2 Jul 1852 4190 3 Apr 1929 3964 4 Sep 1828 3300 5 July 1893 3160 6 May 1969 2670 7 Nov 1889 2670 8 May 1872 2430

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The following table (Table 2) details the grid reference for those properties identified in this Flood Data Book. The properties are located along the South Esk River from the Llewellyn area through to Hadspen, and the Macquarie River near Longford, refer Figure 2. The properties identified do not represent a list of areas affected by flooding for the South Esk and Macquarie Rivers but are properties where some flood information has been provided to DPIWE. Table 2: The location of properties where some information on flooding from the surrounding area has been provided to DPIWE.

Property Northing Easting

Andora 5394800 522500 Beams Hollow 5405600 506400 Bowthorpe 5401400 508800 Brambletye 5372400 544100 Clarendon 5390800 523400 Clyne Vale 5379600 533900 Entally 5404500 504900 Esk Farm 5397600 508200 Esk Vale 5379200 530200 Evandale Station 5397900 519900 Fairfield 5380900 529600 Glen Esk 5375300 539700 Glendessary 5397200 518800 Greenside 5401400 508800 Jessiefield 5399600 509500 Lochmaben 5390000 524400 Longford Caravan Park 5395500 510300 Monds Andafleck Flour Mill 5395700 509900 Mountford 5396600 510300 Mr Gatenby’s House, Longford 5392400 515600 Mr Hart’s House, Evandale 5394800 522500 Native Point 5397500 516500 Old Tannery Building 5396800 509200 Pleasant Banks 5395500 519100 Railway Ganger’s House, Evandale 5398100 519800 Redbanks 5394800 522500 Rhodes 5391800 514500 Scone 5392700 514200 Evandale Stationmaster’s House 5398100 519800 Symmons Plains 5390300 522400 Vaucluse 5373700 537300 Winburn 5385700 525800 Winthorpe 5392900 523700 Woolmers Estate 5391500 512200

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Figure 2: The South Esk Basin and the location of properties.

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5. Records of Flooding

The following table (Table 3) lists photographs that detail flooding in the South Esk River and Macquarie River catchments. All photographs listed in this table are held by the Water Assessment and Planning Branch, DPIWE. The photographs detail a number of flood events at various locations and properties along the South Esk and Macquarie Rivers and associated tributaries. The table includes the grid reference of each location photographed, comments and an estimate of the flood frequency (AEP) for the event. Each record also includes identifying photographic numbers to enable electronic access of the prints and associated information. Alternatively, the Water Assessment Section holds hardcopies of this Flood Data Book if required.

These records cover the period from 1927 to 1989, although one photograph was taken pre-1870 and it details the pump house at Woolmers Estate, Longford. Individuals living along the South Esk and Macquarie rivers at the time of the flood events took many of the photographs and provided a copy of the frames, along with relevant information, to the Land and Water Management Branch. In addition, many photographs in this collection were taken in 1989 and these frames detail the extent of flooding during earlier events. At the time, those people living in the South Esk River area who remembered past flooding were asked to mark the height to which floodwaters rose on their properties or the surrounding area.

Flooding is first detailed in the photographic record in 1927 when floodwaters at the Perth Bridge and the Richies Flour Mill at Perth was recorded. The April 1929 flood is detailed next and this event is well recorded photographically. At this time, flooding on the South Esk River is detailed from the Conara area through to Epping Forest, Nile, Evandale, Perth, Longford, Hadspen, and down to the River Tamar at Launceston. During this extreme flood the Perth Bridge was completely destroyed and Hadspen, Longford, Evandale, Perth and Ross were inundated. Longford experienced substantial flooding and here, floodwaters from both the South Esk and Macquarie Rivers are detailed in this list. At Launceston, the Cataract Gorge is photographed in full flood, as is submerged low-lying areas and the flooded wharf region.

In May 1969, the most severe flood since April 1929 occurred and the extent of this event is recorded in the photographic record. Flooding is detailed for the South Esk River from the Conara area through to Epping Forest, Nile, Evandale, Perth, Longford and Hadspen. Significant flooding of properties located along the South Esk River is recorded, as exemplified by floodwaters at the Rhodes property. At Perth, floodwaters rose to the top of the projecting course of bricks on the bridge and many properties where inundated. Hadspen was also flooded, and this photographic record identifies that floodwaters rose to the windowsill of the last house before the Old Bass Highway.

Moderate flooding is recorded in this list at Perth in July 1974, when floodwaters rose at the Scone property and in May 1986, flooding was photographed on the South Esk River near Conara, Nile and Perth. At Longford, flooding of the South Esk River and the Macquarie River is detailed. Minor flooding at the picnic grounds near Hadspen was recorded in April 1989, as is the level to which normal floods rise (those that occur every 3 to 4 years) at the Entally and Beams Hollow properties.

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Records of Flooding in the South Esk River and Macquarie Catchments

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Pre 1870 Missing Record Macquarie River @ Woolmers Estate This photograph details the pump house at Woolmers E512200 MA002 Longford Estate, Longford. The Macquarie River is not in flood in N5391500 this frame.

1927 1:1.1 South Esk @ Perth Perth Bridge These photographs detail flooding at the Perth Bridge in E515100 SE066 1927. N5396400 SE071 i) Pictured is the northern side of the bridge during the summer when flows were low. SE072 ii) Again, the northern side of the bridge is detailed during the summer period when flows were low. iii) The bridge pictured from the southern side.

1927 1:1.1 South Esk @ Perth Perth Bridge The photograph depicts the Perth Bridge, Mill Race and E515100 SE070 Flood Gate to Richies Flour Mill at the Scone property. N5396400 Richies Flour Mill This Mill Race was also used for electricity and it was the first in the Southern Hemisphere.

Apr-29 1:100 Macquarie River @ Woolmers Estate This photograph details the pump house at Woolmers E512100 MA001 Longford Estate, Longford. The Macquarie River floodwaters are N5391600 receding in this picture and an accurate flood level mark is located inside the pump house.

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Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk River @ Cataract Gorge This photograph was taken from the Cataract Gorge Bridge E510500 SE002 Launceston Bridge and it details the location where the South Esk Swimming N5412200 Club once was.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk River @ Royal Park Tennis This photograph details the Royal Park Tennis Courts E510900 SE003 Launceston Courts bowling green and croquet lawn under flood (flood is N5412700 receding).

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk River @ South Esk This photograph details the South Esk Swimming Shed a E510500 SE004 Launceston Swimming Shed few minutes before it collapsed in the April 1929 flood. N5412200

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk River @ Cataract Gorge Here, flooding under the Cataract Gorge Bridge is pictured. E510500 SE005 Launceston Bridge N5412200

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk River @ Tamar Rowing This photograph details the Tamar Rowing Sheds from E510500 SE006 Launceston Sheds Gorge Rock Gardens. N5412200

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk River @ Invermay Flooding of Invermay, Rasonia and the wharf region is E510400 SE007 Launceston detailed in this photograph. The ship known as the N5413300 Rasonia Koranni can be seen pushed up onto the end of the wharf.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Main Street/Bartlett Floodwaters rose to the floor of the hall on the corner of E505000 SE010 Hadspen Street Main Street and Bartlett Street, Hadspen as detailed. N5404700

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Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Jessiefield Floodwaters rose to the foot of the Oak tree pictured and E509500 SE019 Longford the flood peaked at approximately 4.00 a.m. on the eastern N5399600 Pateena Road side of Pateena Road, Longford. In the background of the frame is the Jessiefield homestead.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Pateena Road Floodwaters rose to the floor of the old church on Pateena E509100 SE020 Longford Road, Longford as detailed. N5400400

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Esk Farm In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the point indicated E508200 SE021 Longford by Johnstone’s feet at Esk Farm. Daffodils planted by N5397600 Mr Johnstone’s grandmother in this area indicate the April 1929 flood level.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Wickford Road These photographs detail flooding on Wickford Road, E507900 SE027 Longford Longford in 1929 when floodwaters rose to the foot of the N5398600 concrete marker. SE028

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Longford Railway The April 1929 flood rose half way up the steel trusses on E510400 SE033 Longford Bridge the Longford Railway Bridge. N5396200

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ South Esk Country Floodwaters rose to the top floor level of what is now E509900 SE035 Longford Club known as the South Esk Country Club. During this flood, N5395700 the occupants escaped by boat from the top floor windows.

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Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Monds Andafleck Floodwaters rose to the red mark as indicated in this E509900 SE036 Longford Flour Mill photograph at the Monds Andafleck Flour Mill. N5395700

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Cenotaph in Floodwaters rose to the covered base of the Cenotaph in E510100 SE037 Longford Mermorial Park Memorial Park, Longford as detailed in this photograph. N5395200

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Rhodes In this photograph Mr Robert Gatenby indicates with his E514500 SE040 Longford hands the maximum flood level in 1969 at the back N5391800 entrance to the Rhodes homestead. The April 1929 flood rose 2 metres higher than the flood peak reached during this later flood event.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Rhodes The April 1929 flood rose to the black mark (in branding E514600 SE041 Longford oil) located in the old wool shed at the Rhodes property N5391900 near Longford.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Rhodes The April 1929 flood rose to the top of the door hinge on E514600 SE042 Longford the old wool shed as indicated by Mr Gatenby - standing in N5391900 this photograph at the Rhodes property near Longford.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Perth Scone Floodwaters rose to the butt of the pine tree detailed in this E514800 SE054 photograph on the Scone Track. N5394000 Scone Track

22 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Perth Scone These photographs were taken near the South Esk River at E513900 SE056 the Scone property. N5392800 SE057 i) Floodwaters rose to the top of the stain on the wall inside the shearing shed as indicated. ii) Floodwaters rose to 25 cms below the door lintel.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Perth Scone This photograph depicts the old shearers’ quarters on the E514200 SE058 Scone property. The April 1929 flood rose to the tabletop, N5392700 as detailed.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Perth Perth Bridge These photographs were taken at the Perth Bridge and they E515200 SE060 detail the collapse of the bridge during the 1929 flood. N5396300 SE061 i) This photograph was taken on the left bank of the river and the bridge can be seen in the background. Floodwaters rose to the level indicated by Mr Bean’s feet. ii) During April 1929, floodwaters rose to the point 15cms above the wall of the bridge as pictured, just leaving the stone pier cap above the water line. In 1969, the flood came to the top of the projecting course of bricks half way up the bridge’s wall.

23 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Perth Perth Bridge These photographs were taken at the Perth Bridge and they E515100 SE062 detail the collapse of the bridge during the 1929 flood. N5396300 SE063 i) This photograph has been copied from the Weekly Courier newspaper and it details the remainder of SE064 the bridge after the April 1929 flood had subsided. ii) This photograph has been copied from the Weekly SE065 Courier newspaper and it details the bridge before its destruction. SE067 iii) This photograph details the approximate height of the flood shortly before the bridge collapsed. SE068 iv) This photograph details the remains of the bridge shortly after its destruction. SE069 v) This photograph details floodwaters rising up the bridge during the April 1929 flood. SE073 vi) This photograph details the bridge as the flood was rising and it was taken after 4 hours/20 minutes into the flood shortly before the bridge collapsed. vii) This photograph was taken after the collapse of the bridge in the afternoon. viii) This photograph details the bridge from the northwest approach after its collapse.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Perth William Street This photograph was taken on the corner of William Street E514800 SE075 and Old Punt Road, Perth and it attempts to detail a short N5396700 Old Punt Road post that is not actually visible in the frame. The post is under the conifer to the left of the frame and floodwaters rose up to the post during the April 1929 event.

24 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Perth Native Point These photographs were taken at the Native Point Estate. E516500 SE077 N5397500 i) In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the point SE079 indicated by Mr Gibson’s feet. Water rose to the fourth step from the top stairs. ii) In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the point indicated by Mr Gibson’s feet near the old shed.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Perth Native Point Floodwaters rose to the top of the rock outcrop (centre of E516200 SE080 the frame) at the Native Point Estate , looking downstream. N5398700

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Glendessary These photographs were taken at the Glendessary Estate. E518800 SE081 Evandale N5397200 i) Floodwaters rose to the point indicated by Mr SE082 Stancombe’s feet on the riverside of the Glendessary homestead. ii) Floodwaters rose to the rock outcrop at the point indicated by Mr Stancombe’s feet on the riverside of the Glendessary homestead.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Stationmaster’s During this flood, water rose above the Stationmaster's E519800 SE089 Evandale House house located to the left of the frame. The goods shed, the N5398100 Evandale Station and the pump house are also detailed to the centre of the frame. This house is not completely covered by the flood and here, approximately 60cms of the roof are detailed.

25 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Railway Ranger’s This photograph records that the April 1929 floodwaters E519800 SE090 Evandale House rose above the Railway Ranger's house at Evandale. This N5398100 house was eventually split in two and destroyed.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Evandale Station These photographs record the April 1929 floodwaters rising E519900 SE091 Evandale at the Evandale Station. N5397900 SE092 i) The fencing on the left, along with the platform and piles were floating when the photograph was taken. ii) Floodwaters rising above the goods shed and the pump house at the Evandale Station. Both buildings where covered by the flood and now, neither building exists.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Main Road During the April 1929 flood, water was recorded as E519800 SE093 Evandale approaching the house at the bottom corner of the Main N5398100 Leighlands Road Road and Leighlands Road.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Andora This photograph was taken near the Andora property and it E522500 SE095 Evandale records floodwaters rising up to the point indicated by N5394800 Mr Von Stieglitz’s feet. The wooden stake placed to mark the height of the floodwaters may still be located in the gorse.

26 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Redbanks These photographs detail flooding at the old stable on the E522500 SE096 Evandale Redbanks property. N5394800 Nile Road SE097 i) Here, floodwaters rose to the top of the forth plank Mr Hart’s House on the building from the ground. In addition, there is also a mark on the byre inside the old stable. ii) Here, the location of the old stable in relation to Mr Hart’s house on the Nile Road is detailed.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Redbanks This photograph records the original location of the E521600 SE099 Evandale Redbanks homestead on the banks of the South Esk River. N5393700 Floodwaters rose well up the walls of the homestead and the occupants where rescued from the roof. The homestead was damaged beyond repair during the April 1929 flood.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Winthorpe This photograph details floodwaters rising to E523700 SE101 Evandale approximately the butt of the hawthorn bush (detailed in N5392900 the centre of the frame) at the Winthorpe property.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Symmons Plains These photographs detail flooding at the Symmons Plains E522400 SE102 Evandale homestead. N5390300 SE103 i) Floodwaters rose to the lowest step of the garden stone steps in front of the homestead. ii) Floodwaters rose almost to the tennis court surface and to the top of the lawn next to the court’s fence.

27 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Nile Clarendon These photographs detail flooding at the Clarendon E523400 SE104 homestead. N5390800 SE105 i) Floodwaters rose to the concrete block in the paddock behind the homestead. ii) Floodwaters rose to the steel peg (now buried) behind the homestead.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Nile Winburn Floodwaters rose to the front door step at the Winburn E525800 SE108 homestead, as detailed. N5385700

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Nile Winburn Floodwaters rose to the windowsill of the old cottage E525800 SE109 located on the driveway at the Winburn property. N5385800

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Esk Vale These photographs were taken at the Esk Vale Estate and E530200 SE110 Epping Forest they detail that floodwaters rose to the butt of the top-most N5379200 conifer growing by the old cottage. SE111

i) Looking northwest. ii) Looking southwest (old toilet in the foreground).

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Clyne Vale This photograph details flooding at Mr Robert’s property – E533900 SE113 Epping Forest Clyne Vale Estate . This flood rose approximately to the N5379600 hedge growing above the pump house (contained in the steep bank).

28 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Vaucluse Floodwaters rose to the base of the concrete block (Flood E537300 SE115 Conara Level marker) on the Vaucluse property. N5373700

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Vaucluse This photograph was taken at the Vancluse property E538200 SE117 Conara looking southwest. During the April 1929 event N5375600 floodwaters rose to the foot of the marker claimed to have fallen where it stood at the time.

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Glen Esk Floodwaters rose to the mantelpiece height at the Glen Esk E539700 SE118 Conara homestead pictured in this photograph. N5375300

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Brambletye Floodwaters rose to the top of the bank (to the right of the E544100 SE122 Conara frame) on the Brambletye property. N5372400

Apr-29 1:100 South Esk @ Brambletye Floodwaters rose half way up the steel post (was barn E543900 SE124 Conara gauge) on the Brambletye property as indicated. The N5372500 Brambletye homestead is located in the background of this photograph.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Old Bass Highway Floodwaters rose to the window of the last house before E504900 SE011 Hadspen Old Bass Highway Bridge on the right bank. N5404500

29 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Bowthorpe These photographs detail flooding at the Bowthorpe E508800 SE014 Longford property where floodwaters rose to the corner of the cottage N5401400 Norwich Drive garden. SE016

Pateena Road i) This photograph was taken from the junction of Norwich Drive and Pateena Road, Longford. Greenside ii) This photograph was taken from the entrance to the Greenside property (pump house also detailed).

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Bowthorpe Floodwaters rose up to the road by the first guide post on E508400 SE017 Longford the left of the frame. The new house in the middle N5401900 foreground may have been below flood level. The Bowthorpe property is detailed in the far background.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Jessiefield Floodwaters rose to the edge of the road at the entrance to E509400 SE018 Longford the Jessiefield property in Pateena. Mr Hughes’ feet N5399100 indicate the maximum flood height.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Esk Farm In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the hedge on the E508200 SE022 Longford front lawn at Esk Farm. N5397600

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Wickford Road These photographs detail flooding on Wickford Road, E507900 SE027 Longford Longford looking east-north-east, when floodwaters rose to N5398600 1.5 metres vertically below the foot of the concrete block SE028 (Flood Level marker).

30 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Old Tannery These photographs detail flooding at the Old Tannery E509200 SE029 Longford Building Building. N5396800 SE030 Tannery Straight i) The 1969 flood rose to the top of the lower windows. ii) Floodwaters rose to the spouting on the main roof of the cottage on Tannery Straight. The Old Tannery Building can be seen in the background.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Mountford In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the point on the E510300 SE031 Longford Mountford property as indicated by the feet of Mr Bean and N5396600 Mr Mackinnon. The pump house is detailed in the background.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Mountford In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the point on the E510600 SE032 Longford Mountford property as indicated by the feet of Mr Bean and N5396200 Mr Mackinnon. The new bridge can be seen in the background.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Longford Railway The 1969 flood rose up to the rail on the Longford Railway E510400 SE033 Longford Bridge Bridge. N5396200

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Longford Railway Floodwaters rose to the rails of the subsidiary Railway E510400 SE034 Longford Bridge Bridge viaduct. The viaduct was built after the April 1929 N5396200 flood.

31 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Rhodes In this photograph, Mr Gatenby indicates with his hands E514500 SE040 Longford the maximum flood level reached in 1969. The back N5391800 entrance to the Rhodes homestead is pictured.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Woolmers Estate This photograph depicts the southern side of the Woolmers E510400 SE043 Longford Estate lane. Floodwaters during the 1969 event rose to the N5413900 foot of the large gum tree in the centre left of the frame.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Rhodes Floodwaters during the 1969 event rose half way up the E514600 SE044 Longford concrete post at the entrance to the Rhodes property. N5391700

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Rhodes These photographs detail Mr Gatenby’s house and the E515600 SE045 Longford tennis court on the Rhodes property where floodwaters rose N5392400 Mr Gatenby’s to: SE048 House i) Within 25cms of the top of the tennis court net post. ii) The post to the middle left of the frame (the post by the tennis court fence - centre of the water channel).

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Rhodes These photographs detail Mr Gatenby’s house, the tennis E516200 SE046 Longford courts and the surrounding area on the Rhodes property. N5392500 Mr Gatenby’s The trash lines after the flood is detailed. SE047 House

32 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Rhodes These photographs detail flooding at the Rhodes homestead E514500 SE049 Longford and they are taken from: N5391800 SE050 i) The horse trough at the rear of the Rhodes homestead. SE051 ii) The back door area after the flood had receded. iii) The back door area at approximately maximum SE052 flood height. iv) The back door area looking down the yard to the old shearing shed on the left.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Perth Scone Track This photograph details the gauge board on the Scone E514600 SE055 Track. The 1969 flood rose to 60cms over the gauge board. N5393700

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Perth Scone This photograph depicts the old shearers' quarters on the E514200 SE058 Scone property. The 1969 flood came to just under the N5392700 floorboards.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Perth Perth Bridge Photograph of the Perth Bridge. During the May 1969 E515200 SE061 event, floodwaters rose to the top of the projecting course N5396300 of bricks half way up the wall.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Perth Mill Hill This photograph details that floodwaters rose to the butt of E515300 SE076 the left-most poplar on Mill Hill, located on Mill Road near N5398400 Mill Road Perth.

33 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Perth Native Point This photograph records that the flood came to the point E516500 SE078 indicated by Mr Gibson’s feet on the path in front of the N5397500 Native Point homestead.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Pleasant Banks These photographs detail flooding at the Pleasant Banks E519100 SE083 Evandale Estate. N5395500

i) Floodwaters rose to the corner of the timber shed at the side of the property. ii) Floodwaters rose to a point 1.2 metres short (horizontally) from the butt of the palm tree at the front of the homestead.

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Andora Floodwaters almost covered the old pump house rear the E520600 SE094 Evandale Andora property. N5395800

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Redbanks Floodwaters rose to the floor of Launceston Airport's radio E522200 SE098 Evandale beacon on the Redbanks property, as indicated. N5394100

May-69 1:40 South Esk @ Clarendon Lodge This photograph was taken at the Winthorpe Bridge over E523500 SE100 Evandale Road Golden Gully Creek on the Clarendon Lodge Road. N5392900 Floodwaters rose to a point as indicated by Mr Hart’s feet Winthorpe Bridge (a small peg at the side of the road was placed).

34 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

May-69 Insufficient Data South Esk @ Nile Lochmaben This photograph was taken looking northwest from the E524400 SE106 Lochmaben property with the Clarendon property in the N5390000 Clarendon background. This picture records that most floods come to the foot of the bank on the right of the frame. In 1969, floodwaters covered the entire flat.

May-69 Insufficient Data South Esk @ Esk Vale Floodwaters rose to the point where the base to the E530300 SE112 Epping Forest barbecue now stands at the Esk Vale Estate (note: the frost N5379200 pictured was at 09:15; temperature -5C).

May-69 Insufficient Data South Esk @ Clyne Vale This photograph details flooding at Mr Robert’s property - E533900 SE113 Epping Forest Clyne Vale Estate . In 1969 the flood rose half way up the N5379600 door of the pump house (middle hinge).

May-69 Insufficient Data South Esk @ Fairfield Floodwaters rose to the pump house at the Fairfield E529600 SE114 Epping Forest property as indicated by Mr Youl pictured. An accurate N5380900 flood mark is located in the adjacent pump house at the property.

May-69 Insufficient Data South Esk @ Vaucluse This photograph was taken at the Vancluse property E538200 SE117 Conara looking southwest. During the April 1929 event N5375600 floodwaters rose to the foot of the marker claimed to have fallen where it stood at the time. In 1969, the flood was recorded at five foot vertically lower.

35 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

May-69 Insufficient Data South Esk @ Glen Esk Floodwaters rose to the point where Mr Mackinnon’s feet E539700 SE119 Conara are pictured on the lawn at the Glen Esk Estate. N5375300

May-69 Insufficient Data South Esk @ Brambletye This photograph records that the 1969 flood covered the E544100 SE121 Conara trough (hollow in paddock to right of frame in shadow) in N5372500 the foreground paddock on the Brambletye property.

Jul-74 1:6 South Esk @ Perth Scone Track This photograph details the gauge board on the Scone E514600 SE055 Track. The 1974 flood rose to 75cms over the gauge board. N5393700

May-86 1:8 South Esk @ Perth Scone Floodwaters rose to the base of the steel dropper on the E514200 SE053 Scone property. The old pump house can be seen in the N5394900 background.

May-86 1:8 South Esk @ Perth Scone Track This photograph details the gauge board on the Scone E514600 SE055 Track. The 1986 flood rose to 35cms over the gauge board. N5393700

May-86 Insufficient Data South Esk @ Nile Winburn Floodwaters rose to the sixth (VI) mark on the marked E525800 SE107 gauge board at the rear of the Winburn homestead. N5385600

May-86 Insufficient Data South Esk @ Glen Esk This photograph records that the 1986 floodwaters rose to E539700 SE120 Conara the base of the elm tree on the lawn of the Glen Esk Estate . N5375300

36 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid Photo Event AEP Property Reference No

May-86 1:8 South Esk @ Longford These photographs were taken looking across the recreation E510250 SE125 Longford area and the Longford township at the confluence of the N5395750 Macquarie and South Esk Rivers. Flooding over the SE126 general area and the road bridge is detailed.

May-86 1:8 Macquarie @ Longford This photograph was taken at the velodrome and Longford E510300 MA003 Longford Caravan Park and it details flooding over the lower lying N5395500 areas adjacent to the Macquarie River.

Apr-89 1:3 South Esk @ Old Bass Highway This photograph was taken at the picnic grounds near the E504800 SE013 Hadspen Old Bass Highway. Floodwaters are pictured at N5404500 approximately the maximum height of a moderate flood and here, a toilet block is half submerged.

Various 1:3 to 4 South Esk @ Entally This photograph details the level to which normal floods E504900 SE012 Years Hadspen rise (those that occur every 3 to 4 years). Floodwaters N5404500 generally reach the foot of the sign and entrance to the Entally homestead.

Various 1:3 to 4 South Esk @ Beams Hollow This photograph details the level to which normal floods E506400 SE009 Years Hadspen rise (those that occur every 3 to 4 years). Floodwaters N5405600 generally rise to the foot of the Beams Hollow property sign.

37 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

6. New Records of Flooding

The following table (Table 4) has been provided for the entry of new flood events. As this is a living document to be updated over time, if a flood occurs you are encouraged to contribute your own flood information to these books to make them as effective as possible for current and future generations.

Records of Future Flooding in the South Esk River and Macquarie Catchments

Flood Flood Frequency Location Region and Comments Grid River Level Photo Event (AEP) Property Reference (AHD - metres) No

38 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book REFERENCES

Bobbi, C., Fuller, D. and Oldmeadow, D. (1996) South Esk Basin ‘State of Rivers Report’, Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, Tasmania.

Bowden, N. (2000) Geomatic Specialist, Land Information Services, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania, personal communications.

Bowden, N. J. and Prichard A. S. (1992) Hobart Tide Gauge – Record of Height Datums, SVY/05/003, SVY/04/002, Geodetic files S366, Land Information Services, Tasmania.

Bureau of Meteorology (1936) Results of Rainfall Observations Made in Tasmania, Commonwealth of Australia, Melbourne.

Bureau of Meteorology (1974) Tasmania: Outstanding Floods and Noteworthy Flood Periods and Main Areas Affected, Internal Document, Commonwealth of Australia, Hobart.

Bureau of Meteorology (date unknown) Investigations into Past Floods in Hobart, Internal Document, Commonwealth of Australia, Hobart.

Bureau of Meteorology (date unknown) Floods – Southeastern Tasmania, Internal Document, Commonwealth of Australia, Hobart.

Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, various departmental files and reports, Tasmania.

Department of Public Works (1970) Report on Flooding HvH/5, Department of Public Works, Tasmania.

Hydro-Electric Commission (1992) Perth – Longford Flood Plain Study, Water Resources Department, Hydro-Electric Commission Report No 1992/02, Tasmania.

Hydro-Electric Commission (1994) Longford Flood Plain Study Hydraulic Analysis, Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, Hydro-Electric Commission Report No 001-0529-CR-001, Tasmania.

Hydro-Electric Commission (1997) Deloraine Flood Plain Study, Water Resources Department, Hydro-Electric Commission Report No 001-0591-CR-001, Tasmania.

Livingston, A. H. (1986) Flood Frequency Anomalies – Derwent and South Esk, Hydro- Electric Commission, Tasmania.

Livingston, A. H. (1986) South Esk River – Flood Level Data in the Vicinity of , Hydro-Electric Commission, Tasmania.

39 Emergency Management Australia South Esk Basin Flood Data Book

Lands Department (1992) TASMAP – Tasmania 1:500000 Recreational Areas and Land Divisions, the Mapping Division, Lands Department, Hobart.

MacGeorge, C. (2000) Section Head Hydrology, Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania, personal communications.

State Emergency Service (1990) History of Emergency Events Tasmania: Issue 1, State Emergency Service.

Steane, J. D. (1968) Tasmanian Water Resources Survey Report No 4: The Elizabeth and Macquarie Rivers above Baskerville, Rivers and Water Supply Commission, Tasmania.

Waters, T. (2000) Senior Transport Supervisor, Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, Tasmania, personal communications.

Weekly Courier (1929) Photographs detailing the collapse of the Perth Bridge - Perth, Weekly Courier, Tasmania.

40