Far North MP Nick Dametto questions long-delayed road upgrades as Tully floods again

Flood-proofing critical roads across Far North Queensland must be fast-tracked following yet another record deluge on the Cassowary Coast, a state MP says.

Tully Showgrounds has been inundated for the second time in three months with Tully Tigers rugby league club's volunteers forced to clean up yet again. Image: Daley Rata-Makene

Flood-proofing critical roads across Far North Queensland must be fast-tracked following yet another record deluge on the Cassowary Coast, a state MP says.

But a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokersperson said a $48m floodway project’s “scope, cost and timing” still haven’t been finalised and Federal Government funding is yet to be negotiated.

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto wrote to Transport Minister Bart Mellish in the immediate aftermath of the December floods urging him to address long delays to “flood immunity projects” in the Tully and Ingham region.

Tully was lashed again this weekend, notching more than 420mm in 24 hours as creeks and river systems swelled, cutting off roads and leaving residents, commuters and truck drivers stranded.

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto is calling for works to start on “notorious flood locations” along the Bruce Highway in Far North Queensland.

In his letter, Mr Dametto said projects to upgrade Dallachy Road at Tully where it intersects with the Bruce Highway and the Gairloch floodway near Ingham had experienced extensive hold ups.

“The Dallachy Road project has dragged out for the last seven years,” Mr Dametto said.

“The project progressed as far as culverts being delivered to the site where unfortunately they have remained, sinking into the mud on the side of the Bruce Highway for several months.”

The “notorious flood locations” frustrated community members and hurt the region’s economy, Mr Dametto said.

The Cassowary Coast township of Tully, located 140km south of Cairns, has been hit with its second flood in just three months. Image: Daley Rata-Makene

“These projects are critical to not only the Hinchinbrook electorate but to all regions north of us as essential goods and transport come to a halt at a time of the year when they are needed the most,” he said.

“The recent road closures have understandably triggered enquiries (sic) and frustration from the community who are rightly asking when the construction of these two … projects will commence.”

In a statement, a TMR spokesman said the department had started a “safety improvement project” in November 2021 and completed a business case for the Gairloch floodway late last year.

“The project will address safety concerns at this crucial section of the highway,” the spokesman said.

“TMR understand the frustrations of the community when the highway is affected by flooding at this location.

“Currently, the proposed solutions aim to implement wide centreline treatment and upgrade the road to mitigate the impact of weather events, particularly flooding, at the Gairloch floodway.

“It is important to note that while this project does not aim to achieve complete flood immunity, it seeks to reduce the duration of closures during wet weather events.

“There are also a number of environmental considerations given this project will be delivered in a wetland.”

Works in Tully have been hampered by the Far North floods and cyclone in December, the spokesman said.

“TMR is currently exploring options for advancing ... Dallachy Road, flood immunity upgrade within the available budget.

“However, this process was delayed due to effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent emergent repair works on the state-controlled road network.”

Progress on the roads was put to the Transport Minister as a question on notice by Mr Dametto during last week’s sitting of Parliament.

Originally published as Far North MP Nick Dametto questions long-delayed road upgrades as Tully floods again