The weather may have cleared but with many key routes around the state still flooded or being repaired, transport firms faced with longer drive times and higher fuel prices are passing on extra costs to growers already struggling to get their crops to market.
Transportation firms hauling agricultural products in and out of areas impacted by recent weather events said they are concerned as some highways are closed or facing single lane access, increased travel time and some bridges are subject to reduced tonnage, meaning big trucks have to take an almost always costly detour.
But growers said they are out of pocket many thousands of dollars in additional levies getting their produce to market.
On the Atherton Tablelands, Skybury Farms general manager Candy Maclaughlin said their property near Mareeba which specialises in growing red papaya, has paid thousands of dollars in additional levees to get their produce to market.
"The levees imposed on us for additional miles has already cost us $10,000 so far," she said.
"This all cuts into our bottom line,"
Ms Maclaughlin said getting produce down to the coast was complex as some roads are still unable to cope with heavy vehicles .
"Things (transportation) change week to week," she said.
"We think we have hit rock bottom but we get heavy rains again and we lose another bridge, even trying to get trucks access to fields or the packing shed is still very difficult.
"There's no way we can recover this, it's a fact of doing business and unfortunately, the person it will end up most impacting is the one shopping at the supermarket.
"When the Palmerston Hwy reopens, it will certainly stop the levy which will put a significant amount of money in growers pockets, but will every truck be able access the highway straight away and is it feasible to wait for this or not?"
Mareeba Transport manager Robert Parsons said the closure of the Palmerston Highway added significant costs and delays to moving produce and goods to and from the Tablelands to their depots at Mareeba, Atherton and Townsville.
"The Palmerston Hwy is still closed and so we are having to go the inland route with the multi-combo vehicles (B-Doubles) which adds 400km and five or six hours to the journey," he said.
"At the end of the day we have to do what we have to do...and we have to pass he costs on the end-user which is always the grower."
Mr Parsons said the closure of the Palmerston Hwy which their company had been travelling for around 50 years, was a huge issue.
"Traditionally a straight-through load from Mareeba to Townsville, then load and drive back could be done in 12 hours, but now it can take two days," he said.
"While we don't cart that much produce, we do move a lot of fertilizer and chemicals to retailers then we bring down loads of hay and feed from as far as Mount Garnet and across the Tablelands to the coast."
And while he's glad he's not having to fix the highway himself, Mr Parsons said he wished communications from the Department of Transport and Main Roads on how the road works were proceeding, was more consistent.
"I'd hate to have the job repairing the Palmerston Hwy, I feel the people doing it are doing their best, but government communications on the job are dire," he said.
"We have been left in the dark, anything we find out is via social media or word of mouth, so early on I signed up for the Queensland government (email) briefings so I get the news two hours ahead of social media on what's going on."
Looking ahead, Mr Parson said he's heard the Palmerston Hwy might open mid-February, which he said would be a huge relief for everyone.
"We hard the Palmerston will have a one way detour lane," he said.
"It will make a big difference when we can use it again."
Queensland Fruit and Vegetables Growers CEO Rachel Chambers said their members were faced with higher costs to have their harvest shipped to market.
"Some growers are being charged $15 to $30 extra per pallet," she said.
"Growers are facing increased costs just to stay competitive."
TMR updates as of January 31, 2024
Captain Cook Highway (Cairns to Mossman)
- Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas reopened to traffic on Saturday 20 January 2024.
- There are currently three sections between Buchan Point and Port Douglas under traffic control with reduced speed limits.
- Repair works are continuing on the highway.
Palmerston Highway
- Work to construct a temporary single lane section on the Palmerston Highway between Crawford's Lookout and Junction Road commenced on 8 January 2024.
- The single lane section is expected to be open to traffic in mid-February 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting, and will accommodate heavy vehicles.
- The works experienced some delays due to recent heavy rainfall however crews resumed work on Tuesday 16 January 2024.
- The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is continuing to investigate long-term solutions for repairs to the Palmerston Highway.
- TMR is working with heavy vehicle operators and providing permits for alternate routes, where available.
Kennedy Highway Cairns to Mareeba (Kuranda Range Road)
- The section of Kenedy Highway, locally known as Kuranda Range Road, is open to traffic, with a number of single lane sections.
- Geotechnical investigations and repair works are underway to help maintain access during the current wet season.
- Night works with full closure of Kuranda Range Road between 9 pm and 4 am were carried out from 4 - 7 January 2024.
- Further full closures of the road will be required to carry out repair works, these dates and times will be communicated to the community once confirmed.
- TMR is actively monitoring Kuranda Range Road and for the safety of motorists will continue to manage the road in the event of further significant rainfall.
- Barron River bridge at Kuranda is subject to a 42.5 tonne load limit.
TMR SEQ update
- Rain has now ceased however the intense rainfall and severe weather has impacted roads local roads throughout Queensland.
- This is an evolving situation, and the safety of all road users, local communities and our teams is our top priority.
- Temporary traffic management may be in place in impacted areas.
- Damage to flooded roads will be assessed when deemed safe and water has subsided.
- If you need to travel, check local conditions and plan your trip by visiting www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.auamp;source=gmail&ust=1706753879832000&usg=AOvVaw1IpUQAVSlBRs54MvS0G-fn" www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au for the latest road updates.
Impacts - Wide Bay area
- The Bruce Highway at Tararan Creek (north of Gin Gin) has reopened.
Impacts - SEQ
- The Warrego Highway near Laidley has re opened at Glenore Grove.
- Colleges Crossing remains closed.
- There remains some road impacts north of Brisbane.
For up to date road conditions check https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ or 13 19 40.
Know more about this issue? Contact Alison Paterson on 0437 861 082
