Video of Springbrook landslip shows dangers for workers fixing nearby roads

Jaw-dropping new video footage shows how dangerous the hinterland’s mountain roads have become. WATCH

New video footage shows how dangerous the hinterland’s mountain roads have become with rock falls and the dangerous task ahead with workers to fix the connections.

Some motorists and bike riders are ignoring warning signs, accessing closed roads and placing their lives and those of workers at risk.

Transport and Main Roads earlier this weekend warned residents the damage to some roads connecting Springbrook was worse than expected.

Workers repairing Beechmont Rd.

The Bulletin has since obtained exclusive new video footage which workers say highlight “incredible challenges” with sections of bitumen destroyed by months of torrential rain.

Photographs at Beechmont show heavy lift helicopters and rope abseil methods are being used to access the steep terrain which is complicating the natural disaster response.

A site worker’s video captures a massive uncontrolled rock fall on the Gold Coast-Springbrook Road near workers toiling to stabilise a site.

Repairs underway after a landslip.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said road crews were working tirelessly to repair the damage and reopen the roads as quickly as possible.

“These photos and videos show just how devastated the roads are and how much work our teams are doing to restore them,” Mr Bailey said.

“Our emergency response is proving incredibly challenging and technically difficult given the hazardous hinterland terrain, sheer extent of damage, and ongoing severe weather impacts.

“Emergency work continues as crews clear the enormous amount of debris from huge landslips and collapsed embankments, and work to stabilise what remains of the road in some areas.”

A work crew on Beechmont Rd in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Mr Bailey said due to the ongoing and above average rainfall, emergency works were in some cases having to be redone and motorists would need to continue using detours and side tracks.

“We understand the impact this has had on locals, but those roads will not be reopened until we can ensure the safety of motorists,” Mr Bailey said.

“While it is too early to say exactly how long the closures will last, we expect Gold Coast-Springbrook Road could be closed from 18 months to two years.

“Ongoing assessments have confirmed the extent of damage from the major landslip on the one-way section of road is far worse than originally anticipated and will require an extensive works program.

“At least 15 other major sites, and at least a dozen minor sites, also need significant emergency and reconstruction work along Gold Coast-Springbrook Road.”

A helicopter involved in landslip repairs.

Gaven MP and Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon recently inspected the work being done on the damaged roads and urged motorists to be careful around roadworks.

“Road crews have been hard at work getting roads back online as soon as possible,” Ms Scanlon said.

“Unfortunately, we are hearing reports of some reckless motorists and bike riders trying to access areas that are simply unsafe, and we appeal to them to not put their lives at risk.

“We ask everyone to obey all road safety signs and thank the local community and motorists for being patient as we work towards reopening these roads.”

The alternate route for the Gold Coast-Springbrook Road closure between Neranwood Park and Pine Creek Road is west of Springbrook via Pine Creek Road.

On Beechmont Road, weeks of emergency stabilisation work mean a temporary, single lane side track can now be built around the major landslip, restoring access for Lower Beechmont and Beechmont residents and businesses.

Boulders tumble on to the road.

Detours for Beechmont and Lower Beechmont remain in place between Bottletree Lane and North Road, so residents can continue to access their properties.

Those below Brushbox Road enter via Nerang-Murwillumbah Road and above Brushbox Road enter via Beaudesert-Nerang Road at Canungra.

Mr Bailey said the record rainfall events resulted in landslips, embankment failures, road and bridge damage and hazards elsewhere across the south coast region including Tamborine, Palen Creek area and Currumbin.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

For more information on road conditions, call 13 19 40, go to www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or download the QldTraffic app.