‘Goat track’ praised as residents stranded in Daintree community finally leave town

Captive Cape Tribulation residents have been set free after a marathon 24 days spent in isolation with a “goat track” finally cleared to the south.

A modest trail has been fashioned over and through the wreckage along Cape Tribulation Road, giving patient residents access to the outside world.

Captive Cape Tribulation residents have been set free after a marathon 24 days spent in isolation with a “goat track” finally cleared to the south.

Douglas Shire Council estimates Cape Tribulation Road copped over a hundred landslides in the last month with a 14-tonne excavator finally clearing a path through late last week.

Supermarket owner Graham Williams made a mad dash for Mossman on Sunday to stock up on supplies.

Douglas Shire Council workers will escort Cape Tribulation residents along the track while work is undertaken to restore the road.

An awestruck Mr Williams said the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the floods was staggering.

“We’ve got to drive over one landslip with workers escorting us through a few different sections,” he said.

“Alexandra Range looks terrible with huge cliff faces. It’s going to take a long time to fix.

“We’re all petrified at the thought of how long this is going to take.”

Residents will be allowed to use the road intermittently with heavy machinery still clearing areas of the road, Douglas Shire mayor Michael Kerr said.

“Tide changes will influence the times it is safe for crossings via escort to occur across Noah Creek,” Mr Kerr said.

“Updates on times will be provided daily on both council’s Facebook page and the Douglas Disaster Dashboard.

“To assist with escorts and travel … depth markers are being installed at the creek crossing.”

Road damage caused by landslides that occurred during the Far North floods left Cape Tribulation residents stranded for more than three weeks.

Exploring ways to keep the road open while maintaining the surrounding World Heritage-list Daintree National Park should be considered, Mr Williams said.

“This event has shown us how badly we can be cut off during a disaster,” he said.

“The World Heritage side of things is important but so is looking after the people that live and work here. Maintaining balance is important.

“It seems to be people that don’t live in the Daintree, with their air conditioning and restaurants down the road, that want to dictate how we should live.

“We’re the ones who love the Daintree, care for it and live here.”

The Daintree Ferry is now open from 6am-6pm but is only available to locals, essential and emergency services, or tourists with accommodation booked between Forest Creek and Cow Bay.

Originally published as ‘Goat track’ praised as residents stranded in Daintree community finally leave town