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| Townsville Floods |
Bruce Highway re-opens in North Queensland
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said authorities opened access for heavy vehicles overnight before re-opening the Bruce Highway to all traffic north and south of Townsville at 10.30am today.
“All traffic is now moving freely both north and south, which will certainly be welcome news for these communities,” the Premier said.
“Overnight, trucks were permitted to travel safely north from Mackay across the Haughton River Bridge to allow for essential resupply efforts into Townsville and up to Cairns.
“With our major coastal highway now open again, I urge everyone to take care on the roads and drive to the conditions.
“There are a lot of trucks heading north with supplies to support flood-affected communities, so stay safe on the roads.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said while the Bruce Highway had opened, flood waters continued to cut off other major roads.
“The Finders Highway is expected to be cut for some days with the Macrossan Bridge over the Burdekin River under water,” Mr Bailey said.
“We have also recorded multiple landslips on Hervey Range Road, between Townsville and Charters Towers, as well as a major landslip on Paluma Range.
“Inland supply routes from Mount Isa to the coast are still closed.
“When the water recedes, roads and bridges will be inspected as soon as possible to ensure they are safe before reopening.
“Authorities will continue to work with rural communities across the north-west of the state to monitor fuel and food supplies.”
Residents in flood-affected areas are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay out of flood waters, particularly, around the Townsville area, due to the unprecedented flood levels and ongoing wet weather.
Work is underway, where safe to do so, to assess roads for damage and clear debris. For key road closures and to keep up-to-date with conditions, visit qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
Attribution: Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey
Media Release: More police for floodstruck Townsville
Police Minister Mark Ryan has announced the deployment of 91 additional officers to floodstruck Townsville.Minister Ryan said the officers would boost policing services in the flood-affected community.
“The additional officers include specialist and general duties police who will boost policing services and continue to help the people of Townsville in this difficult time.
“The police and partner agencies have been working tirelessly for many days now to keep the community safe and protect property.
“These additional police will provide much-needed relief to local officers and ensure a visible presence continues where the community needs it most.”
Minister Ryan said 35 of the additional officers arrived in Townsville yesterday afternoon.
Another 56 officers will be deployed this afternoon.
“Thank you to these officers and all the officers who have been working hard around the state to support the response to this unprecedented weather event,” Minister Ryan said.
“I know also that our police in the flood-zone are just as vulnerable to personal hardship and loss as their fellow Queenslanders caught up in this unprecedented weather event.
“I know there are officers whose own homes have been flooded.
“The commitment of these officers to protecting their fellow Queenslanders even as they themselves suffer the effects of the flood is inspiring.”
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