Residents, property owners and business operators will begin returning to the Tasman Peninsula from midday today, with all areas of the peninsula to be accessible.
“This access via the Arthur Highway, which remains closed to the general public, is for residents, property owners and business operators only, and I request others to be sympathetic to the situation and not try to gain access to the area,” Southern Regional Emergency Management Committee Chair Commander Peter Edwards
“It’s important that those without a genuine need to access the Peninsula don’t try to do so, as it will only slow progress for the residents who are obviously very anxious to return to their homes. I thank all of them for their patience over the past week in what can only be described as a traumatic and frustrating time.”
Police will have a checkpoint at the intersection with Sugarloaf Road, where they will be checking to ensure that people returning are residents, property owners and business operators.
The speed limit on the Arthur Highway will be reduced to 60km/h for residential access and remains closed to the general public.
Fire remains active in the area and work crews are continuing to clear the road and restore power poles. Authorities understand the need to reopen the road as soon as possible. Due to these arrangements underway today for residents, there will be no further bus convoys arranged for transport to the Peninsula.
Public Health representatives will be at the police checkpoint handing out Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Kits to people returning.
PPE kits will still also be available from the Workplace Standards bus situated near the Dunalley pub.
Counsellors will be available in the affected communities – including on board the Centrelink bus - and Red Cross is aiming to provide additional support.
Information packs will also be handed out at the police checkpoint and various other locations.