Immovable massive boulders on Mount Tamborine road forces Gold Coast students to take long route

Students in the Gold Coast hinterland will have to take the long way to school Wednesday – thanks to a seemingly immovable boulder on Tamborine Mountain Road.

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STUDENTS in the Gold Coast hinterland will have to take the long way to school Wednesday – thanks to a seemingly immovable boulder on Tamborine Mountain Road.

Transport and Main Roads workers are still trying to remove the large rocks and fallen debris that damaged the road, locally known as the Goat Track, in mid-December.

Residents says the closure means students will have to drive further to get to school on the mountain.

Police photos of Tamborine Mountain Road at Mount Tamborine is closed after a serious landslide during extreme weather on the Gold Coast. Photo: QLD Police

Police photos of Tamborine Mountain Road at Mount Tamborine is closed after a serious landslide during extreme weather on the Gold Coast. Photo: QLD Police

A Canungra mother who did not want to be named said she usually took her children Tamborine Mountain Road to school.

“The closure means we add another 20 minutes on to our drive each way,” she said.

“It is the fastest way between Canungra and the mountain but we understand it is complicated.”

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It is not yet known how bus routes up the mountain will be impacted. Once the road is cleared officials say it will need to be assessed for safety.

Transport and Main Roads regional director (south coast) Paul Noonan said he recognised the inconvenience as the road was the most efficient route between Canungra and Tamborine Mountain.

“After more than 350mm of rainfall in six days in December, large boulders that detached and fell from an outcrop caused a large path of damage and a landslip onto the Goat Track,” Mr Noonan said.

“We have started emergency safety works to remove the fallen debris and further large boulders precariously positioned and at risk of falling from above.

“The works are being undertaken for motorist safety.

“The risk of further rock falls makes this extremely challenging and complex.”

Before scaling can start, TMR will build a temporary “earth bund” below the slip site, to help soften the impact and act as a barrier for falling rocks and debris that is expected to come off the rock face.TMR will also install temporary concrete barriers as an additional precautionary measure to contain any additional loose debris.