From charred to chilled

12.06.09 15:08

South-eastern Australia has been hit by a cold snap, with a blanket of white snow now covering a landscape which had been turned black in summer fires.

A cold front which moved across the region over the weekend has been followed by chilly south-westerly winds, freezing temperatures, rain, hail and, in places, heavy snow.

At the height of Australia’s summer in February 2009, more than 200 people died in the bush fires that swept across hills north-east of Melbourne. On one road in Kinglake, nestled in Victoria's Great Dividing Range, 20 people died, every home was destroyed and fauna and flora were seared by the flames.

The clean-up operations in Kinglake, which have been ongoing since that time, were brought to a sudden halt on Tuesday when snow fell across the area. Accumulations of between 30 and 60cm have been recorded as a result of the snow storm, with locals noting that the snow-covered ground is a great contrast to the blackened burnt trees.

Also in Victoria at Lake Mountain resort, near Marysville, the heavy snowfall has brought much-needed relief to ski operators who lost nearly everything in the forest fires. Record progress has been made in rebuilding the resort and much need snow has arrived only days into the official start of the ski season.  Whilst accommodation is not yet ready at Marysville, it is available in surrounding towns, and local businesses are hoping people will make the effort as the revenue is much needed.

In the Australian Capital Territory, snow fell through Tuesday night in the Brindabella Ranges with roads closed in places due to accumulations of snow. Heavy snow was also reported south of Canberra over the Snowy Mountains with loss of power and additional road closures.

Across parts of western New South Wales, overnight snowfalls led to the closure of the Great Western Highway for a time before it could be cleared.

Along with snow, ice was also causing problems in northern Tasmania. The important Cradle Mountain link road was put out of action when a crane and truck got stuck on the ice. Other road closures were brought about as a result of fallen trees and heavy snow.

By: Victoria Kettley