Wild weather

The last week has certainly been challenging for lots of people across Tasmania. I’d like to think it may also have prompted some of them to consider that possibly, just possibly, all those predictions about our changing climate causing an increase weather extremes may actually be correct. The incredibly strong winds and torrential rain we’ve experienced have been a long way from normal.

Widespread power cuts and localised flooding, along with loss of internet connection has been the experience of just about everyone to a greater or lesser degree. For us it was the latter, and never have I been more grateful for the solar panels and battery that allowed us to at least keep the lights on. Controversial though gas now is, also grateful for the gas stove that allowed us to cook. Not so for many of our neighbours – some of whom were still without power five days into this unusual weather pattern.

So many trees down, blocking roads, damaging fences and properties. The cost of the clean up will be significant, and while the assistance amount being offered by the state government is welcome for those who went three days or more without power, it probably won’t go far enough to compensate for the spoiled food in fridges and freezers that will have been thrown out.

Our community has been brilliant – a true coming together and helping out wherever possible. I hope that’s been the experience of other communities as well. Meanwhile the rain is continuing to fall, so rivers are rising and more flooding will be almost inevitable.

The TasNetwork folk and emergency services have been excellent though – and kudos to them for working in appalling conditions to restore power and services to those in the more rural and isolated areas.

But while it’s been bucketing down here in Tassie, there are bushfires raging in parts of NSW. The scientists warned Australia was in the frontline when it came to experiencing the impact of climate extremes. Governments failed to listen – or to act. Will this wild weather event finally prompt them to do so? We can but hope.