LAUNCESTON’S rowing clubs spent Wednesday assessing the damage after floods poured through the city.
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The homes of Tamar, North Esk, St Pat’s and Grammar all appeared as islands surrounded by the swollen rivers.
However, the city’s close-knit rowing fraternity pulled together to salvage as much as possible and ensure the proud sporting tradition will continue.
As Tamar members waded into their flooded clubhouse, North Esk president Lloyd Luck was among those that popped by to lend a hand.
“We’ve been there since 1876, had floods before and will continue on,” said Tamar committee member Jim Guy.
“We’ve experienced major floods before. We took a fair pounding back in about 1969 so we’ve been through this sort of thing before.
“Rowing clubs do tend to be close to the water level.”
Although clubs received plenty of warning and were able to take preventative measures, the level of the flood still caused plenty of damage.
Half a metre washed through North Esk, which opened its doors to minimise damage, while at Tamar the level reached the club door handle, knocking in windows, damaging walls and destroying a roller door.
“It’s devastated our amenities area,” Guy said. “I don’t believe the building is in danger but the cost of the damage would amount to a very significant figure.”
Fortunately, the club’s collection of photos and trophies was rescued and relocated and the advance warning gave members enough time to swing the pontoon away from the main flow to avoid damage.
By coincidence, 35 boats from Tamar, North Esk, Mersey and some Hobart clubs were in Queensland where the Australian masters championships were taking place.
Rowing Tasmania executive officer Rob Prescott said it was a similar story in the so-called Sunshine State where torrential rain played havoc with a regatta due to be hosted at Lake Barrington in 2018.
“It was pretty disappointing because Rowing Queensland did a great job,” Prescott said. “This storm came through and it was horrible up there.”
Prescott viewed the damage at Launceston clubs and said seeing 10-kilogram weights moved across the Tamar gym demonstrated the power of the floodwaters.
Adding to Rowing Tasmania’s woes, Prescott said he understood more damage had been caused at Lake Barrington where a water reservoir collapsed.
“People are telling me they have never seen so much water in the lake.”
However, he said the assorted problems were minor compared to lost lives, livestock and property that other Tasmanians had endured.
Rowing clubs do tend to be close to the water level
- Tamar committee member Jim Guy