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 Australia 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
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
2.
REFERENCES
39
PLATES
Cover Plate:
Plate 1:
Plate 2:
Plate 3:
Plate 4:
Plate 5:
Plate 6:
Plate 7:
Plate 8:
Plate 9:
Plate 10:
Plate 11:
Plate 12:
May 1986 – Flooding of the South Esk River at Longford.
Pre 1870 – The Macquarie River at Woolmers Estate near Longford.
April 1929 – The Macquarie River at Woolmers Estate near Longford.
April 1929 – Floodwaters rising above the Stationmaster’s house at Evandale.
April 1929 – Floodwaters under the Gorge Bridge at Launceston.
April 1929 – Floodwaters around the Tamar Rowing Sheds at Launceston.
Pre 1929 – The Perth Bridge before it was destroyed in the 1929 flood.
April 1929 – Floodwaters rising up the piers of the Perth Bridge.
April 1929 – The flood peak and the Perth Bridge.
April 1929 – The remains of the Perth Bridge after the 1929 flood.
May 1969 – Flooding at the Rhodes property near Longford.
May 1986 – Flooding of the Macquarie River and the Longford oval.
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) Tasmania
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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Emergency Management Australia
South Esk River Flood Data Book
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
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Emergency Management Australia
1.
South Esk River Flood Data Book
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.
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Emergency Management Australia
2.
South Esk River Flood Data Book
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 Poatina Power Station, 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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Emergency Management Australia
South Esk River Flood Data Book
Figure 1: The South Esk and Macquarie Catchments (Lands Department, 1992).
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Emergency Management Australia
3.
South Esk River Flood Data Book
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 Cataract Gorge 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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Emergency Management Australia
South Esk River Flood Data Book
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 lowlying 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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Emergency Management Australia
South Esk River Flood Data Book
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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Emergency Management Australia
South Esk River Flood Data Book
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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Emergency Management Australia
South Esk River Flood Data Book
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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Emergency Management Australia
South Esk River Flood Data Book
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.
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Emergency Management Australia
4.
South Esk River Flood Data Book
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 Meander River 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 lowlying 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
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Dec 1863
Jul 1852
Apr 1929
Sep 1828
July 1893
May 1969
Nov 1889
May 1872
4625
4190
3964
3300
3160
2670
2670
2430
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South Esk River Flood Data Book
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
Beams Hollow
Bowthorpe
Brambletye
Clarendon
Clyne Vale
Entally
Esk Farm
Esk Vale
Evandale Station
Fairfield
Glen Esk
Glendessary
Greenside
Jessiefield
Lochmaben
Longford Caravan Park
Monds Andafleck Flour Mill
Mountford
Mr Gatenby’s House, Longford
Mr Hart’s House, Evandale
Native Point
Old Tannery Building
Pleasant Banks
Railway Ganger’s House, Evandale
Redbanks
Rhodes
Scone
Evandale Stationmaster’s House
Symmons Plains
Vaucluse
Winburn
Winthorpe
Woolmers Estate
5394800
5405600
5401400
5372400
5390800
5379600
5404500
5397600
5379200
5397900
5380900
5375300
5397200
5401400
5399600
5390000
5395500
5395700
5396600
5392400
5394800
5397500
5396800
5395500
5398100
5394800
5391800
5392700
5398100
5390300
5373700
5385700
5392900
5391500
522500
506400
508800
544100
523400
533900
504900
508200
530200
519900
529600
539700
518800
508800
509500
524400
510300
509900
510300
515600
522500
516500
509200
519100
519800
522500
514500
514200
519800
522400
537300
525800
523700
512200
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Emergency Management Australia
Figure 2:
South Esk River Flood Data Book
The South Esk Basin and the location of properties.
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5.
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
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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South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Records of Flooding in the South Esk River and Macquarie Catchments
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Pre 1870
Missing Record
Macquarie River @
Longford
Woolmers Estate
1927
1:1.1
South Esk @ Perth
Perth Bridge
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
This photograph details the pump house at Woolmers
Estate, Longford. The Macquarie River is not in flood in
this frame.
E512200
N5391500
MA002
These photographs detail flooding at the Perth Bridge in
1927.
E515100
N5396400
SE066
SE071
i)
Pictured is the northern side of the bridge during
the summer when flows were low.
Again, the northern side of the bridge is detailed
during the summer period when flows were low.
The bridge pictured from the southern side.
ii)
iii)
Perth Bridge
SE072
1927
1:1.1
South Esk @ Perth
The photograph depicts the Perth Bridge, Mill Race and
Flood Gate to Richies Flour Mill at the Scone property.
Richies Flour Mill This Mill Race was also used for electricity and it was the
first in the Southern Hemisphere.
E515100
N5396400
SE070
Apr-29
1:100
Macquarie River @
Longford
Woolmers Estate
E512100
N5391600
MA001
This photograph details the pump house at Woolmers
Estate, Longford. The Macquarie River floodwaters are
receding in this picture and an accurate flood level mark is
located inside the pump house.
19
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk River @
Launceston
Cataract Gorge
Bridge
This photograph was taken from the Cataract Gorge Bridge
and it details the location where the South Esk Swimming
Club once was.
E510500
N5412200
SE002
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk River @
Launceston
E510900
N5412700
SE003
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk River @
Launceston
South Esk
Swimming Shed
This photograph details the South Esk Swimming Shed a
few minutes before it collapsed in the April 1929 flood.
E510500
N5412200
SE004
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk River @
Launceston
Cataract Gorge
Bridge
Here, flooding under the Cataract Gorge Bridge is pictured.
E510500
N5412200
SE005
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk River @
Launceston
Tamar Rowing
Sheds
This photograph details the Tamar Rowing Sheds from
Gorge Rock Gardens.
E510500
N5412200
SE006
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk River @
Launceston
Invermay
Flooding of Invermay, Rasonia and the wharf region is
detailed in this photograph. The ship known as the
Koranni can be seen pushed up onto the end of the wharf.
E510400
N5413300
SE007
E505000
N5404700
SE010
Royal Park Tennis This photograph details the Royal Park Tennis Courts
Courts
bowling green and croquet lawn under flood (flood is
receding).
Rasonia
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Hadspen
Main Street/Bartlett Floodwaters rose to the floor of the hall on the corner of
Street
Main Street and Bartlett Street, Hadspen as detailed.
20
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Longford
Jessiefield
Floodwaters rose to the foot of the Oak tree pictured and
the flood peaked at approximately 4.00 a.m. on the eastern
side of Pateena Road, Longford. In the background of the
frame is the Jessiefield homestead.
E509500
N5399600
SE019
Pateena Road
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Longford
Pateena Road
Floodwaters rose to the floor of the old church on Pateena
Road, Longford as detailed.
E509100
N5400400
SE020
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Longford
Esk Farm
In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the point indicated
by Johnstone’s feet at Esk Farm. Daffodils planted by
Mr Johnstone’s grandmother in this area indicate the April
1929 flood level.
E508200
N5397600
SE021
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Longford
Wickford Road
These photographs detail flooding on Wickford Road,
Longford in 1929 when floodwaters rose to the foot of the
concrete marker.
E507900
N5398600
SE027
SE028
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Longford
Longford Railway The April 1929 flood rose half way up the steel trusses on
Bridge
the Longford Railway Bridge.
E510400
N5396200
SE033
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Longford
South Esk Country Floodwaters rose to the top floor level of what is now
Club
known as the South Esk Country Club. During this flood,
the occupants escaped by boat from the top floor windows.
E509900
N5395700
SE035
21
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Longford
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Longford
Cenotaph in
Mermorial Park
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Longford
Apr-29
1:100
Apr-29
Apr-29
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
E509900
N5395700
SE036
Floodwaters rose to the covered base of the Cenotaph in
Memorial Park, Longford as detailed in this photograph.
E510100
N5395200
SE037
Rhodes
In this photograph Mr Robert Gatenby indicates with his
hands the maximum flood level in 1969 at the back
entrance to the Rhodes homestead. The April 1929 flood
rose 2 metres higher than the flood peak reached during
this later flood event.
E514500
N5391800
SE040
South Esk @
Longford
Rhodes
The April 1929 flood rose to the black mark (in branding
oil) located in the old wool shed at the Rhodes property
near Longford.
E514600
N5391900
SE041
1:100
South Esk @
Longford
Rhodes
The April 1929 flood rose to the top of the door hinge on
the old wool shed as indicated by Mr Gatenby - standing in
this photograph at the Rhodes property near Longford.
E514600
N5391900
SE042
1:100
South Esk @ Perth
Scone
Floodwaters rose to the butt of the pine tree detailed in this
photograph on the Scone Track.
E514800
N5394000
SE054
Monds Andafleck Floodwaters rose to the red mark as indicated in this
Flour Mill
photograph at the Monds Andafleck Flour Mill.
Scone Track
22
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @ Perth
Scone
These photographs were taken near the South Esk River at
the Scone property.
E513900
N5392800
SE056
SE057
i)
Floodwaters rose to the top of the stain on the wall
inside the shearing shed as indicated.
Floodwaters rose to 25 cms below the door lintel.
ii)
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @ Perth
Scone
This photograph depicts the old shearers’ quarters on the
Scone property. The April 1929 flood rose to the tabletop,
as detailed.
E514200
N5392700
SE058
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @ Perth
Perth Bridge
These photographs were taken at the Perth Bridge and they
detail the collapse of the bridge during the 1929 flood.
E515200
N5396300
SE060
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.
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.
ii)
23
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @ Perth
Perth Bridge
These photographs were taken at the Perth Bridge and they
detail the collapse of the bridge during the 1929 flood.
E515100
N5396300
SE062
SE063
i)
This photograph has been copied from the Weekly
Courier newspaper and it details the remainder of
the bridge after the April 1929 flood had subsided.
This photograph has been copied from the Weekly
Courier newspaper and it details the bridge before
its destruction.
This photograph details the approximate height of
the flood shortly before the bridge collapsed.
This photograph details the remains of the bridge
shortly after its destruction.
This photograph details floodwaters rising up the
bridge during the April 1929 flood.
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.
This photograph was taken after the collapse of the
bridge in the afternoon.
This photograph details the bridge from the
northwest approach after its collapse.
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @ Perth
William Street
Old Punt Road
This photograph was taken on the corner of William Street
and Old Punt Road, Perth and it attempts to detail a short
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
SE064
SE065
SE067
SE068
SE069
SE073
E514800
N5396700
SE075
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @ Perth
Native Point
Comments
These photographs were taken at the Native Point Estate.
i)
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
E516500
N5397500
SE077
In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the point
indicated by Mr Gibson’s feet. Water rose to the
fourth step from the top stairs.
In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the point
indicated by Mr Gibson’s feet near the old shed.
ii)
SE079
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @ Perth
Native Point
Floodwaters rose to the top of the rock outcrop (centre of
the frame) at the Native Point Estate , looking downstream.
E516200
N5398700
SE080
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Evandale
Glendessary
These photographs were taken at the Glendessary Estate.
E518800
N5397200
SE081
i)
Floodwaters rose to the point indicated by Mr
Stancombe’s feet on the riverside of the
Glendessary homestead.
Floodwaters rose to the rock outcrop at the point
indicated by Mr Stancombe’s feet on the riverside
of the Glendessary homestead.
ii)
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Evandale
Stationmaster’s
House
During this flood, water rose above the Stationmaster's
house located to the left of the frame. The goods shed, the
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
SE082
E519800
N5398100
SE089
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Evandale
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Evandale
Region and
Property
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
Railway Ranger’s This photograph records that the April 1929 floodwaters
House
rose above the Railway Ranger's house at Evandale. This
house was eventually split in two and destroyed.
E519800
N5398100
SE090
Evandale Station
E519900
N5397900
SE091
These photographs record the April 1929 floodwaters rising
at the Evandale Station.
SE092
i)
The fencing on the left, along with the platform
and piles were floating when the photograph was
taken.
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.
ii)
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Evandale
Main Road
Leighlands Road
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Evandale
Andora
During the April 1929 flood, water was recorded as
approaching the house at the bottom corner of the Main
Road and Leighlands Road.
E519800
N5398100
SE093
This photograph was taken near the Andora property and it
records floodwaters rising up to the point indicated by
Mr Von Stieglitz’s feet. The wooden stake placed to mark
the height of the floodwaters may still be located in the
gorse.
E522500
N5394800
SE095
26
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Evandale
Redbanks
Comments
These photographs detail flooding at the old stable on the
Redbanks property.
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
E522500
N5394800
SE096
Nile Road
SE097
i)
Here, floodwaters rose to the top of the forth plank
on the building from the ground. In addition, there
is also a mark on the byre inside the old stable.
Here, the location of the old stable in relation to
Mr Hart’s house on the Nile Road is detailed.
Mr Hart’s House
ii)
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Evandale
Redbanks
This photograph records the original location of the
Redbanks homestead on the banks of the South Esk River.
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.
E521600
N5393700
SE099
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Evandale
Winthorpe
This photograph details floodwaters rising to
approximately the butt of the hawthorn bush (detailed in
the centre of the frame) at the Winthorpe property.
E523700
N5392900
SE101
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Evandale
Symmons Plains
These photographs detail flooding at the Symmons Plains
homestead.
E522400
N5390300
SE102
SE103
i)
Floodwaters rose to the lowest step of the garden
stone steps in front of the homestead.
Floodwaters rose almost to the tennis court surface
and to the top of the lawn next to the court’s fence.
ii)
27
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @ Nile
Clarendon
Comments
These photographs detail flooding at the Clarendon
homestead.
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
E523400
N5390800
SE104
SE105
i)
Floodwaters rose to the concrete block in the
paddock behind the homestead.
Floodwaters rose to the steel peg (now buried)
behind the homestead.
ii)
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @ Nile
Winburn
Floodwaters rose to the front door step at the Winburn
homestead, as detailed.
E525800
N5385700
SE108
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @ Nile
Winburn
Floodwaters rose to the windowsill of the old cottage
located on the driveway at the Winburn property.
E525800
N5385800
SE109
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Epping Forest
Esk Vale
These photographs were taken at the Esk Vale Estate and
they detail that floodwaters rose to the butt of the top-most
conifer growing by the old cottage.
E530200
N5379200
SE110
i)
ii)
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Epping Forest
Clyne Vale
SE111
Looking northwest.
Looking southwest (old toilet in the foreground).
This photograph details flooding at Mr Robert’s property –
Clyne Vale Estate . This flood rose approximately to the
hedge growing above the pump house (contained in the
steep bank).
28
E533900
N5379600
SE113
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Conara
Vaucluse
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Conara
Apr-29
1:100
Apr-29
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
Floodwaters rose to the base of the concrete block (Flood
Level marker) on the Vaucluse property.
E537300
N5373700
SE115
Vaucluse
This photograph was taken at the Vancluse property
looking southwest. During the April 1929 event
floodwaters rose to the foot of the marker claimed to have
fallen where it stood at the time.
E538200
N5375600
SE117
South Esk @
Conara
Glen Esk
Floodwaters rose to the mantelpiece height at the Glen Esk
homestead pictured in this photograph.
E539700
N5375300
SE118
1:100
South Esk @
Conara
Brambletye
Floodwaters rose to the top of the bank (to the right of the
frame) on the Brambletye property.
E544100
N5372400
SE122
Apr-29
1:100
South Esk @
Conara
Brambletye
Floodwaters rose half way up the steel post (was barn
gauge) on the Brambletye property as indicated. The
Brambletye homestead is located in the background of this
photograph.
E543900
N5372500
SE124
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Hadspen
E504900
N5404500
SE011
Old Bass Highway Floodwaters rose to the window of the last house before
Old Bass Highway Bridge on the right bank.
29
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Bowthorpe
E508800
N5401400
SE014
Norwich Drive
These photographs detail flooding at the Bowthorpe
property where floodwaters rose to the corner of the cottage
garden.
Pateena Road
i)
Greenside
ii)
SE016
This photograph was taken from the junction of
Norwich Drive and Pateena Road, Longford.
This photograph was taken from the entrance to the
Greenside property (pump house also detailed).
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Bowthorpe
Floodwaters rose up to the road by the first guide post on
the left of the frame. The new house in the middle
foreground may have been below flood level. The
Bowthorpe property is detailed in the far background.
E508400
N5401900
SE017
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Jessiefield
Floodwaters rose to the edge of the road at the entrance to
the Jessiefield property in Pateena. Mr Hughes’ feet
indicate the maximum flood height.
E509400
N5399100
SE018
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Esk Farm
In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the hedge on the
front lawn at Esk Farm.
E508200
N5397600
SE022
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Wickford Road
These photographs detail flooding on Wickford Road,
Longford looking east-north-east, when floodwaters rose to
1.5 metres vertically below the foot of the concrete block
(Flood Level marker).
E507900
N5398600
SE027
30
SE028
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Old Tannery
Building
Comments
These photographs detail flooding at the Old Tannery
Building.
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
E509200
N5396800
SE029
SE030
Tannery Straight
i)
The 1969 flood rose to the top of the lower
windows.
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.
ii)
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Mountford
In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the point on the
Mountford property as indicated by the feet of Mr Bean and
Mr Mackinnon. The pump house is detailed in the
background.
E510300
N5396600
SE031
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Mountford
In this photograph, floodwaters rose to the point on the
Mountford property as indicated by the feet of Mr Bean and
Mr Mackinnon. The new bridge can be seen in the
background.
E510600
N5396200
SE032
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Longford Railway The 1969 flood rose up to the rail on the Longford Railway
Bridge
Bridge.
E510400
N5396200
SE033
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Longford Railway Floodwaters rose to the rails of the subsidiary Railway
Bridge
Bridge viaduct. The viaduct was built after the April 1929
flood.
E510400
N5396200
SE034
31
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Rhodes
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Woolmers Estate
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
In this photograph, Mr Gatenby indicates with his hands
the maximum flood level reached in 1969. The back
entrance to the Rhodes homestead is pictured.
E514500
N5391800
SE040
This photograph depicts the southern side of the Woolmers
Estate lane. Floodwaters during the 1969 event rose to the
foot of the large gum tree in the centre left of the frame.
E510400
N5413900
SE043
Rhodes
Floodwaters during the 1969 event rose half way up the
concrete post at the entrance to the Rhodes property.
E514600
N5391700
SE044
Rhodes
These photographs detail Mr Gatenby’s house and the
tennis court on the Rhodes property where floodwaters rose
to:
E515600
N5392400
SE045
Mr Gatenby’s
House
Comments
i)
Within 25cms of the top of the tennis court net
post.
The post to the middle left of the frame (the post by
the tennis court fence - centre of the water
channel).
ii)
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Rhodes
Mr Gatenby’s
House
SE048
These photographs detail Mr Gatenby’s house, the tennis
courts and the surrounding area on the Rhodes property.
The trash lines after the flood is detailed.
32
E516200
N5392500
SE046
SE047
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Longford
Rhodes
These photographs detail flooding at the Rhodes homestead
and they are taken from:
E514500
N5391800
SE049
SE050
i)
The horse trough at the rear of the Rhodes
homestead.
The back door area after the flood had receded.
The back door area at approximately maximum
flood height.
The back door area looking down the yard to the
old shearing shed on the left.
ii)
iii)
iv)
May-69
1:40
South Esk @ Perth
Scone Track
May-69
1:40
South Esk @ Perth
May-69
1:40
May-69
1:40
SE051
SE052
This photograph details the gauge board on the Scone
Track. The 1969 flood rose to 60cms over the gauge board.
E514600
N5393700
SE055
Scone
This photograph depicts the old shearers' quarters on the
Scone property. The 1969 flood came to just under the
floorboards.
E514200
N5392700
SE058
South Esk @ Perth
Perth Bridge
Photograph of the Perth Bridge. During the May 1969
event, floodwaters rose to the top of the projecting course
of bricks half way up the wall.
E515200
N5396300
SE061
South Esk @ Perth
Mill Hill
This photograph details that floodwaters rose to the butt of
the left-most poplar on Mill Hill, located on Mill Road near
Perth.
E515300
N5398400
SE076
Mill Road
33
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
May-69
1:40
South Esk @ Perth
Native Point
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Evandale
Pleasant Banks
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
This photograph records that the flood came to the point
indicated by Mr Gibson’s feet on the path in front of the
Native Point homestead.
E516500
N5397500
SE078
These photographs detail flooding at the Pleasant Banks
Estate.
E519100
N5395500
SE083
Floodwaters almost covered the old pump house rear the
Andora property.
E520600
N5395800
SE094
Floodwaters rose to the floor of Launceston Airport's radio
beacon on the Redbanks property, as indicated.
E522200
N5394100
SE098
This photograph was taken at the Winthorpe Bridge over
Golden Gully Creek on the Clarendon Lodge Road.
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).
E523500
N5392900
SE100
i)
Floodwaters rose to the corner of the timber shed at
the side of the property.
Floodwaters rose to a point 1.2 metres short
(horizontally) from the butt of the palm tree at the
front of the homestead.
ii)
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Evandale
Andora
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Evandale
Redbanks
May-69
1:40
South Esk @
Evandale
Clarendon Lodge
Road
34
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
May-69
Insufficient Data
South Esk @ Nile
Lochmaben
This photograph was taken looking northwest from the
Lochmaben property with the Clarendon property in the
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.
E524400
N5390000
SE106
Clarendon
May-69
Insufficient Data
South Esk @
Epping Forest
Esk Vale
Floodwaters rose to the point where the base to the
barbecue now stands at the Esk Vale Estate (note: the frost
pictured was at 09:15; temperature -5C).
E530300
N5379200
SE112
May-69
Insufficient Data
South Esk @
Epping Forest
Clyne Vale
This photograph details flooding at Mr Robert’s property Clyne Vale Estate . In 1969 the flood rose half way up the
door of the pump house (middle hinge).
E533900
N5379600
SE113
May-69
Insufficient Data
South Esk @
Epping Forest
Fairfield
Floodwaters rose to the pump house at the Fairfield
property as indicated by Mr Youl pictured. An accurate
flood mark is located in the adjacent pump house at the
property.
E529600
N5380900
SE114
May-69
Insufficient Data
South Esk @
Conara
Vaucluse
This photograph was taken at the Vancluse property
looking southwest. During the April 1929 event
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.
E538200
N5375600
SE117
35
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
May-69
Insufficient Data
South Esk @
Conara
Glen Esk
Floodwaters rose to the point where Mr Mackinnon’s feet
are pictured on the lawn at the Glen Esk Estate.
E539700
N5375300
SE119
May-69
Insufficient Data
South Esk @
Conara
Brambletye
This photograph records that the 1969 flood covered the
trough (hollow in paddock to right of frame in shadow) in
the foreground paddock on the Brambletye property.
E544100
N5372500
SE121
Jul-74
1:6
South Esk @ Perth
Scone Track
This photograph details the gauge board on the Scone
Track. The 1974 flood rose to 75cms over the gauge board.
E514600
N5393700
SE055
May-86
1:8
South Esk @ Perth
Scone
Floodwaters rose to the base of the steel dropper on the
Scone property. The old pump house can be seen in the
background.
E514200
N5394900
SE053
May-86
1:8
South Esk @ Perth
Scone Track
This photograph details the gauge board on the Scone
Track. The 1986 flood rose to 35cms over the gauge board.
E514600
N5393700
SE055
May-86
Insufficient Data
South Esk @ Nile
Winburn
Floodwaters rose to the sixth (VI) mark on the marked
gauge board at the rear of the Winburn homestead.
E525800
N5385600
SE107
May-86
Insufficient Data
South Esk @
Conara
Glen Esk
This photograph records that the 1986 floodwaters rose to
the base of the elm tree on the lawn of the Glen Esk Estate .
E539700
N5375300
SE120
36
Emergency Management Australia
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
Flood
Event
Flood Frequency
AEP
Location
Region and
Property
Comments
Grid
Reference
Photo
No
May-86
1:8
South Esk @
Longford
Longford
These photographs were taken looking across the recreation
area and the Longford township at the confluence of the
Macquarie and South Esk Rivers. Flooding over the
general area and the road bridge is detailed.
E510250
N5395750
SE125
This photograph was taken at the velodrome and Longford
Caravan Park and it details flooding over the lower lying
areas adjacent to the Macquarie River.
E510300
N5395500
MA003
E504800
N5404500
SE013
Longford
SE126
May-86
1:8
Macquarie @
Longford
Apr-89
1:3
South Esk @
Hadspen
Various
Years
1:3 to 4
South Esk @
Hadspen
Entally
This photograph details the level to which normal floods
rise (those that occur every 3 to 4 years). Floodwaters
generally reach the foot of the sign and entrance to the
Entally homestead.
E504900
N5404500
SE012
Various
Years
1:3 to 4
South Esk @
Hadspen
Beams Hollow
This photograph details the level to which normal floods
rise (those that occur every 3 to 4 years). Floodwaters
generally rise to the foot of the Beams Hollow property
sign.
E506400
N5405600
SE009
Old Bass Highway This photograph was taken at the picnic grounds near the
Old Bass Highway. Floodwaters are pictured at
approximately the maximum height of a moderate flood
and here, a toilet block is half submerged.
37
Emergency Management Australia
6.
South Esk Basin Flood Data Book
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
Event
Flood Frequency
(AEP)
Location
Region and
Property
Comments
38
Grid
Reference
River Level
(AHD - metres)
Photo
No
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, HydroElectric Commission, Tasmania.
Livingston, A. H. (1986) South Esk River – Flood Level Data in the Vicinity of
Trevallyn Dam, 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