EASING RAINFALL in North Queensland today has brought some relief to flood-hit areas but restoration of key transport links is a long way off.

The temporarily-repaired Ollera Creek Bridge on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham was re-opened to all traffic on Monday night but yesterday morning was closed again as floodwaters again rose, delaying further repairs and causing police to once again ask heavy freight vehicles to find alternative routes. 

The Queensland Trucking Association said around 270 trucks had been able to get through on Monday night. The bridge re-opened again yesterday afternoon, but a plethora of roads across FNQ remain impassable.

This morning [12 February] a second emergency planning declaration was signed off by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, in a move that allows more Local Government Areas (LGAs) to operate around the clock to ensure shops can restock their shelves.

Another 18 LGAs* have been added to the EPD list today, in a bid to sustain the food supply chain in flood affected regions in Far North Queensland, North Queensland and Northwest Queensland. Shops, warehouses and transport deports will be able to operate 24/7 to ensure more supplies hit the shelves for Queenslanders to access, Mr Bleijie said.  29 LGAs now have an Applicable Event declaration which will remain in place until 30 April 2025 unless revoked prior or extended. 

Meanwhile, yesterday, the Palm Island Barge Company’s daily barge from Palm Island to Lucinda was redirected to Townsville, docking at Pacific Marine Group’s marine facility, according to PMG and the Port of Townsville.

“In times like these, we’re grateful to play a role in keeping essential supplies moving. Our team assisted with docking, unloading, and reloading to ensure critical goods reached Palm Island, including fresh produce, cold storage items, medical and hospital supplies, and vehicles,” PMG said.

“A big thank you to everyone involved in making this happen – it’s moments like these that highlight the importance of resilience and community support.”

“In times like these, our port plays a critical role in keeping North Queensland connected and supporting the regional economy,” PoT added.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the ongoing weather event.”

*Today’s declaration applies to the following Local Government Areas: 
Barcaldine Regional Council, Burke Shire Council, Carpentaria Shire Council, Cloncurry Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Croydon Shire Council, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, Douglas Shire Council, Flinders Shire Council, Isaac Regional Council, Longreach Regional Council, Mareeba Shire Council, Mackay Regional Council, McKinlay Shire Council, Mount Isa City Council, Richmond Shire Council, Winton Shire Council, and Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council.