One of Tasmania’s most iconic mine sites is set for some much-needed repairs with the federal and state government announcing up to $6.84 million in disaster relief funding on Sunday.
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The announcement would see funds provided under the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement, with part of that funding used for a $1.25 million project to stabilise the damaged Hart Shaft at the Beaconsfield mine.
The shaft faced an unsteady future after heavy rain caused a large sinkhole to form in the site’s mine yard.
The state government and the West Tamar Council had committed to jointly funding the repair project which would involve using a concrete plug in the shaft to prevent any further damage.
However the contribution from the federal government is expected to cover half of the bill, leaving the council and state government to contribute 25 per cent each.
While the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre was forced to restrict public access to the mine yard as the repair process got underway, the historic site is expected to reopen the area if the shaft is able to be stabilised.
Announcing the funding with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Premier Will Hodgman said it would also help restore the state’s world-renowned parks and reserves that were affected by storms and floods through June.
“The severe weather earlier this year had a significant impact on Tasmania, particularly affecting its national parks and reserves and the state’s vital tourism industry,” Mr Hodgman said.
“The additional disaster assistance will provide access to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Areas, as well as stabilising the Beaconsfield Hart Shaft.
“This further demonstrates the commitment of the Australian and Tasmanian Governments to respond to the challenges facing communities recovering from the devastating floods.”
He said the latest funding was in addition to flood recovery assistance already offered in Tasmania including support for affected local councils, grants to not-for-profit organisations and personal hardship and distress assistance.
Grants of up to $10,000 for primary producers and concessional interest rate loans of up to $200,000 for small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations are also available.
Find out more information at disasterassist.gov.au and www.alert.tas.gov.au/floodrecovery.
Melissa Mobbs
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
