With much of the state’s far north having already experience significant rainfall, and a wet few days ahead, police are urging motorists to take extra care when driving.
Chief Superintendent Brian Huxley, Far North District urged motorists, especially visitors to Far North Queensland to re-think their driving plans and limit non-essential travel.
“With New Year’s Eve celebrations underway and the new year nearly upon us we see a traditionally busy time on Queensland roads.
“This time of year, across Far North Queensland our roads are busy with motorists driving long distances, often towing caravans and travelling with children.
“Many of our roads are likely to be slippery as rain combines with normal road residues such oils, dirt and grease. This can limit the effectiveness of tyre grip and can easily lead to loss of control.”
“Visitors to Far North Queensland are often unfamiliar with our driving conditions and this can be extra challenging and hazardous in adverse and extreme wet weather condition such as those that we are currently experiencing.”
Chief Superintendent Huxley urged all motorists to travel with caution and drive to the prevailing road and weather conditions and advises visitors and tourists to Far North Queensland that the following roads are not recommended at this time:
Roads NOT recommended for tourists and visitors to FNQ:
Peninsula Developmental Road
Burke Developmental Road – West of Chillagoe
Bloomfield Road – Cook Shire
Musgrave/Strathgordon Road (Pormpuraaw Access) – Cook Shire
Aurukun Road – Cook Shire
Lockhart River Access Road – Cook Shire
Lakefield Road – Cook Shire
Bamaga Road – Cook Shire
Mapoon Access Road
For the latest road condition and road closure information visit Department of Transport and Main Road at https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ and relevant local councils.
Stay up to date and informed about the on-going severe weather in Far North Queensland by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology at https://www.bom.gov.au or https://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings
Some simple safety tips:
- Avoid flooded roads, creeks and watercourses. Flood waters can be fast moving and unpredictable.
- Slow down when travelling in heavy rain and on water affected roads.
- Road conditions may be difficult to assess, including water depth, water speed and debris. Remember ‘If It’s Flooded, Forget It!’
- Road closures and road conditions can change rapidly as creeks and water courses can rise and fall quickly.
- Do not play or enter flood prone waterways, watercourses and drains as water levels can rises rapidly.
The Queensland Police Service want everyone travelling in Far North Queensland this holiday season to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Being informed, staying up to date and taking extra care can go a long way to achieving this.
