26 July 2024
World Water Series – Water, Water Everywhere – 1929 Tasmanian Floods
Water is essential, yet it often presents extremes of scarcity or excess. Tasmania, despite its small size, experiences varied weather patterns including significant rainfall events. This article explores the Great Flood of 1929, a catastrophic event that impacted many regions of this Australian state.
The Prelude to Disaster
In late March 1929, stormy weather marked the beginning of what would become a severe flooding event. By early April, heavy rainfall battered the northern and eastern parts of Tasmania, areas known for short, intense rain periods. This deluge overwhelmed rivers, creeks, and dams, leading to widespread destruction.
The Deluge in Launceston
Between late March and April 2, northern Tasmania experienced unprecedented rainfall, with some areas recording nearly 500mm. In Launceston, the Tamar River, fed by the Cataract Gorge and South Esk River, was surging. By the 4th, house gutters were overflowing, and roads were flooding. Emergency plans for Launceston were activated by around 1 a.m. on Saturday the 6th, when Launceston’s warning bells sounded the alarm as the Tamar River rose to record levels. Cars, horses, drays, and boats were used to rescue the residents of the low-lying areas. Despite being cold and wet, the communities revolve ensured everyone’s safety. The flood caused significant power outages due to the destruction of the Duck Reach power station.
At the flood’s peak 4,250 cubic metres per second flowed from the South Esk river and an additional 567 cubic metres per second from the North Esk River. Floodwaters reached to depths of 3 metres. By April 8, 3000 people had been evacuated from the Invermay, Inveresk and Margret Street and many more from surrounding areas. Around 1000 homes were affected, and 20 were condemned. The community banded together to help one another out despite the challenges.
Longford: Worst Hit Country District
Longford, located at the confluence of the Macquarie and South Esk Rivers, was severely impacted. The water rose to 17 metres above normal levels, causing extensive property damage, livestock losses and leaving many homeless. Over 400 homes were abandoned due to rising floodwaters.
The Collapse of the Briseis Dam
In Derby, 450mm of rain fell in two days. On April 4, an additional 125mm of rain fell in just 1.5 hours, leading to the catastrophic collapse of the Briseis Dam. A massive wall of water, up to 30 metres high, surged towards town, reversing the Ringarooma River’s flow for 8 km. The community was devastated, with mine workers and a family sitting down to dinner were swept away, totalling 14 lives lost in Derby.
Tragedy at Gawler Bridge
On April 4, the Gawler Bridge on the northwest coast showed signs of instability. That evening, a group of young people were heading to a concert until tragically the covered Ford truck they were traveling in plunged into the river as the bridge gave way. Eight young people drowned, six from the same family, making it a heartbreaking loss for the community. The community provided relentless rescue and support efforts.
Widespread Impact
The Scamander Bridge on the east coast was swept away, isolating towns, and necessitating boat travel. In Avoca, central northwest Tasmania, the river rose to approximately 17 metres above the average summer level, undermining railway tracks, and blocking lines with debris. In the Derwent Valley, substantial rainfall caused rivers to overflow roads and many livestock we lost. Southeasterly gales accompanied by rain on April 4 further damaging houses and felled trees. Numerous bridges throughout the state were destroyed or damaged, roads were flooded, railways were either damaged or submerged, communication lines were severely affected. Wharves were filled with debris, rendering them unusable.
Conclusion
The 1929 Tasmanian floods were a devastating disaster that left a lasting impact on the state. Full recovery in Launceston took until 1940. The heroism and community unity displayed during this time are a testament to the resilience to the people affected by such tragic events. Since then, numerous levee systems have been constructed and upgraded to mitigate future disasters. The Launceston levee system, operational since the 1960s, now includes over 12 kilometres of earth and concrete barriers, 19 floodgates, and several river gauges. In 2007, Longford saw the construction of a new levee, and on the northwest coast new levees have been implemented in Latrobe and Forth. These improvements demonstrate the ongoing commitment to safeguarding communities and preventing future flood damage.
Black and white flood images are part of the Launceston Manuscript Collection, Series Number LPIC84, held in the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office (TAHO).
