A history of severe weather events in Tasmania from 1803-1900

Tasmania's climate has, from the early years of settlement, been perceived and promoted as the most 'English-like' and benign of the Australian colonies. Such claims have been used to attract migrants, tourists and industry to the island. In reality, however, the climate proved variable from one year to the next, particularly in regards to rainfall. Incidence of widespread and extended drought, devastating bushfires and raging floods and storms all impacted on European settlement. This paper examines the impacts of these events for the period 1803 - 1900 and discusses how individuals and governments responded to them. It is argued that there was a tendency to underestimate or ignore potential risks and a general failure to effectively prepare and plan for them. This resulted in predominantly 'crisis' related responses.