Eungella access windows opened as $700k recovery fund promised
Plans to reopen Eungella Range have been fast tracked with limited access within restricted time frames available, while stranded Pioneer Valley residents now have access to $700,000 in funding.
Mackay
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Plans to reopen Eungella Range have been fast tracked and disaster recovery funding of $700,000 has been unlocked for Pioneer Valley residents who became isolated after more than a metre of rain blocked the roadway leading to and from town.
Queensland senator Nita Green joined Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson in Mackay on Tuesday to announce the good tidings as part of Labor’s Disaster Ready Fund.
During the announcement at Mackay’s SES headquarters, Mr Williamson received a phone notification revealing “breaking news” that the range along Mackay-Eungella Rd would open periodically from Tuesday.
The times are: 5.30-6am, 7.45-8.15am, 12.30-1pm, 3.15-3.45pm and 5.30-6pm.
TMR Central Queensland regional director Stephen Price said plans to reopen the road under limited access were fast-tracked thanks to the excellent progress road crews made over the weekend.
“Despite the extent of damage to Eungella Range from the recent heavy rainfall, our crews have cleared a huge amount of debris and completed the required emergency repairs in a short amount of time,” Mr Price said.
“We’re doing our best to allow intermittent travel for the community, including the school bus service.”
Outside these times an alternate route is available via Turrawulla Rd and Lizzie Rd for four-wheel drives and high clearance vehicles.
Only emergency service vehicles are permitted 24 hour access.
“One of the major problems is access up and down (Eungella) Range,” Mr Williamson said, adding they had expected it to be shut for at least a fortnight.
“That’s a lot to make that happen.
“They’ve got to have barriers up, road traffic controllers to guide up and down (and) manage road access.
“TMR have done a great job (with) a great result, so we’ve got to take our hats off to TMR.
“Great news for the Eungella community. ”
Mr Williamson confirmed the access windows were only for Pioneer Valley residents, not sightseers.
Authorities had earlier warned Mackay-Eungella Rd would remain closed until at least early February as TMR crews had to ensure debris was removed, geotechnical investigations were conducted and emergency repairs undertaken.
Ms Green thanked the Mackay SES team for “keeping the community safe” during some dangerous rescues this wet season.
“We know that up here in North Queensland, we get a lot of rain so our cities and our towns are prepared for these things to happen, but we know we can prepare better,” Ms Green said.
“My message today is thank you to the emergency services personnel (who made) sure that there was no loss of life and that houses were protected.
“But also to make sure that we have recovery, resilience, and mitigation going forward.”
Ms Green and Mr Williamson had plans to tour Eungella and inspect some of the damage that had occurred.
As the total recovery price tag continues to be calculated, they encouraged residents and members of the public to report flood damage to council by phoning 1300MACKAY.
The Labor Disaster Ready Fund dedicates up to $200 million across Queensland each year.