Police have confirmed Dolphin Sands Road will reopen to local traffic from 1.30PM Tuesday, 9 December.
Southern Regional Emergency Management Controller, Commander Jason Elmer said the decision was made following a comprehensive safety review.
“Thanks to crews working tirelessly to clear debris and restore damaged infrastructure, and with wind conditions easing, the situation has improved enough to allow safe access for local traffic from 1.30PM,” Commander Elmer said.
“There are still significant safety factors to consider, so police roadblocks will remain in place on Dolphin Sands Road to ensure access is only provided to local residents.”
“Reduced speed limits will apply, and we urge people to drive with caution.”
“We ask anyone who does not need to be in the area to stay away until further notice.”
“Emergency services will be providing PPE to those people who need to return to the area, as well as information packs and guidance for the recovery and clean-up process.”
“Dolphin Sands property owners unable to visit their properties can request updates regarding their property’s status.”
“To do so, those owners should call the Tasmanian Emergency Information Service at 1800 667 483, provide their details, and they will be contacted with information about their property.”
This information phoneline will be available from 12pm to 5pm today.
“I would again like to thank the community for their resilience and patience, and our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by these bushfires.”
“I want to commend the many personnel from Tasmania Fire Service, Tasmania Police, State Emergency Service, Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council, TasNetworks and other agencies who have been involved in the response, and who are continuing to work tirelessly to keep the community safe and informed.”
“I would like to remind all Dolphin Sands residents to be alert to all hazards when returning home in the coming days,” said Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Scott McKeown.
“It’s important that people returning to their properties take steps to protect their health and safety. People should wear protective clothing and try not to disturb dust and ash. There may be hazardous materials present in it including asbestos. Residents should also be mindful of damaged assets like septic tanks and water tanks.”
Advice from Public Health includes:
- Put on protective clothing before entering your property, including long-sleeve clothing, a P2 or N95 mask, sturdy boots and gloves.
- Try not to disturb the dust and ash.
- Do not walk or drive over a septic tank.
- Be mindful of contaminated water tanks.
- When there are power outages, remember that using fuel-burning equipment inside or in poorly ventilated areas can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Remember that smoke may still be present in your area and limit exposure to smoke.
- Throw out perishable food if there have been power outages in your area.
- For more information, including how to safely clean your property, visit the Department of Health website.
The community is being advised they do not need to arrange for the cleanup of their properties.
The government will be providing assistance with the clean-up and there will be more information on that in the coming days. This will be at no cost to property owners.
An evacuation centre remains open at Swansea Town Hall for Dolphin Sands residents until the road reopens.
A recovery centre is also operating in Swansea at The Old Courthouse on Noyes Street, between 8am and 4pm, providing:
- Information and advice on clean-up and recovery
- Support services, including mental health and wellbeing support
- Help with insurance and financial recovery
For more information about assistance available, visit TasRECOVERY.com or call the Tasmania Emergency Information Service on 1800 667 483 (operating daily from 9am-5pm).
