The devastating flood situation in Queensland has taken a turn for the worse, with the collapse of the Ollera Creek Bridge on the Bruce Highway.
This catastrophic failure has paralyzed the national highway, cutting off critical supplies to isolated communities in the state’s north.
What Happened?
Part of the bridge fell into floodwater on Sunday afternoon, leaving a massive gap in the road. The bridge, located north of Townsville, is a vital link between the city and the rest of north Queensland.
With over 1,400 millimeters of rain falling in the area over the weekend, the bridge’s collapse has come as a huge blow to the already struggling community.
Supply Shortages Loom
The Bruce Highway is a 1,700-kilometer-long artery that connects Queensland’s south-east to the far north.
With the bridge out of action, supplies like fuel, water, and food will have to take enormous detours to reach centers north of Townsville.
This will not only delay deliveries but also increase costs, which will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
Isolated Communities at Risk
Landowner Joe Girgenti, who lives in the highway town of Mutarnee, warns that the whole of north Queensland is at risk of supply shortages.
“There’s no trucks going from Townsville north, and Ingham is in flood, and the shelves will be starting to get a bit empty right now,” he said.
With roads closed and the rail network cut off, isolated areas may have to rely on helicopter-delivered supplies.
Challenges Ahead
The collapse of the bridge has created a logistical nightmare, with towns relying on air support to deliver critical supplies.
Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo says the region is grappling with its worst flooding since 1967, and the lack of power and clean water is a major concern.
“If it just keeps raining, the choppers can’t really fly in that weather too, so there’s another problem that we’re facing,” he said.
Repair Efforts Underway
Premier David Crisafulli has pledged to repair the Ollera Creek Bridge as soon as possible, saying it “must be repaired, and repaired swiftly.”
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is working on a plan to restore the bridge and get supplies flowing again.
What You Can Do
If you’re affected by the floods, make sure to follow the latest updates and warnings from authorities. You can check the warning information and incident map here, and contact the SES on 131 500 for emergency assistance.
Remember to only buy what you need, as supply shortages are expected in the coming days.
Staying Safe
The Queensland Government has issued a range of flood safety tips, including planning ahead, acting quickly when flooding is happening, and caring for animals in a flood.
Stay safe, and stay informed, as the situation continues to unfold.