TYNWALD Park at New Norfolk is again closed due to flooding just three months after the last storm wreaked havoc. Derwent Valley Council crews and Tasmania SES were called out to assist on Sunday as heavy rain and strong winds crossed Southern Tasmania.

Tynwald Park will be closed until further notice, most likely weeks. Council is investigating when the barbecues in the area will reopen. “The playing surfaces, road and car park at the football ground will take some time for the water to drain away and for any ground repairs required to be undertaken,’’ a council spokesperson said. Glen Dhu Road resembled a river on Sunday and road works to reopen it are under way. Lachlan Road off Hydehurst Road is also impacted with a culvert having been displaced.

Tasmania SES responded to about 95 requests for assistance on Sunday. Acting Director Leon Smith said Tasmania SES had responded to requests for assistance from about 9am Sunday. “Initially the incidents were north of Hobart, in the Brighton and Bagdad areas and then as the weather event moved, we saw a big increase in activity in the Huon and Dover areas,” he said. “While strong winds were forecast, what we’ve seen today from an SES perspective was rain related.

“Our crews have been responding to inundation into some homes and properties and are continuing to work alongside councils and Tasmania Police with road closures. “People are reminded to never walk, ride or drive through floodwaters.” In May, Tynwald Park, which is a popular home to football, soccer and other recreational activities, was closed for weeks due to flooding. The Derwent Valley was also hit with flooding in December last year.

Earlier this month the Derwent Valley Council agreed to support a motion to declare a climate emergency. The motion saw all councillors speaking about the impact climate change was having on the Derwent Valley and actions that could be taken to tackle the crisis.

Mayor Michelle Dracoulis said the council was committed to tackling the climate emergency. “In declaring a climate emergency, Council recognises the significant risk that climate change poses to our community and environment,’’ Mrs Dracoulis said. “We join 112 other councils across Australia that have declared a climate emergency and are taking proactive steps to implement a climate emergency response across their operations.”