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Queensland flood travel: how to check road closures
Queensland flood travel is still possible this month, but it takes more checking than usual. Heavy rain since December has flooded large parts of the state, and closures change from day to day. This guide shows where to check roads, which regions were open in the latest tourism update, and how to plan a trip around the floods.
Our advice is simple. Check the official road site on the morning you drive, again before you leave your last stop, and keep a plan B.
Sources for this section: Queensland Government, Main Roads Minister media statement, 10 January 2011; Wikipedia, 2010-11 Queensland floods (facts up to mid-January 2011).
What has happened so far
Isolated flooding began in early December. Heavy rain from late December, linked to Tropical Cyclone Tasha and a trough, then brought widespread flooding. By 28 December, nearly half of Queensland was affected.
On 10 January, more than 160 mm of rain fell in 36 hours around Toowoomba and caused flash flooding. Brisbane's low-lying areas began to flood on 11 January, and the Brisbane River peaked on 13 January. At the worst point, hundreds of roads were closed, including several major highways. Parts of Brisbane's western suburbs were cut off for days.
Sources for this section: Wikipedia, 2010-11 Queensland floods (facts up to mid-January 2011).
Where to check road closures
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads runs the state's road information site at www.131940.qld.gov.au. It is the page the Main Roads Minister, Craig Wallace, named on 10 January when he asked drivers to avoid non-essential travel around Toowoomba, Lockyer and Ipswich.
- Road closures: www.131940.qld.gov.au
- Weather and flood information: the Bureau of Meteorology at www.bom.gov.au
- Official flood updates: www.qld.gov.au/floods
- Travel information: www.queenslandholidays.com.au
- Local news: local radio for weather updates and road reports
Check the road site before every driving day. A road that was open at breakfast can close by lunch when a creek rises.
Sources for this section: Queensland Government, Main Roads Minister media statement, 10 January 2011; Queensland tourism flood update, 18 January 2011 (reposted on Traveloscopy).
Which regions are open
A tourism update dated 18 January sorted Queensland into three groups. Things may change, so treat it as a guide only.
| Status on 18 January | Regions listed |
|---|---|
| Open and operating normally | Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Agnes Water and 1770, Whitsundays, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and Tropical North Queensland |
| Recovering, with some local road closures | Brisbane, Darling Downs, Southern Downs and Granite Belt, Capricorn Coast |
| Restricted access | Parts of Central Queensland, Outback Queensland, Western Downs and the Lockyer Valley |
The same update said the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns was open. All Queensland airports were open except Rockhampton. Dive, sailing and day-trip tours on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, in the Whitsundays, and around Townsville and Cairns were running normally. It said the effect of the floodwater on the reef was not yet known.
Sources for this section: Queensland tourism flood update, 18 January 2011 (reposted on Traveloscopy).
Should you keep your booking?
For most coastal and northern trips, the answer is yes. The 18 January update told travellers not to cancel existing Queensland bookings unless their provider advised it, because most regions were operating. It also said to contact your accommodation, tour operator or travel agent directly if you have concerns.
Think about the whole route, not just the destination. A beach resort may be open while the highway you planned to drive is still shut. If your trip passes through the Lockyer Valley, the Western Downs or Central Queensland, ask for a back-up plan now.
Before you change a booking, ask your accommodation, tour operator or travel agent what they will offer, and keep every receipt.
Sources for this section: Queensland tourism flood update, 18 January 2011 (reposted on Traveloscopy).
Driving safely in flood areas
The minister's 10 January statement asked drivers to watch for closure signs and reduced speed limits, and to avoid closed or flooded roads, bridges and causeways. The Warrego Highway westbound, from the Brisbane Valley Highway to the Toowoomba Range, was closed that day. Crews were inspecting the damage before it could reopen. Roads also need to stay clear for police, emergency vehicles and people who may need to leave their homes.
- Never drive through floodwater. You cannot see how deep it is or what is under it.
- Obey every closure sign, even if the road looks fine.
- Leave extra time. Detours can add hours.
- Carry water, food, a charged phone and a car charger.
- Share your planned route and arrival time with a friend or family member.
Sources for this section: Queensland Government, Main Roads Minister media statement, 10 January 2011.
A simple plan for the next few weeks
- Pick your region from the table above and note its status.
- Check www.131940.qld.gov.au for each road on your route the day before and the morning of travel.
- Phone your hotel or tour operator to confirm they are open.
- Keep your bookings flexible where you can.
- Look at the Bureau of Meteorology forecast before you set off.
Many areas are open and want visitors. Taking a few minutes to check will keep you safe and help you enjoy the trip. This is general travel information only. Conditions change quickly, so use the official sources above for the latest news.
Sources for this section: Queensland tourism flood update, 18 January 2011 (reposted on Traveloscopy); Queensland Government, Main Roads Minister media statement, 10 January 2011.
Sources
- Queensland Government, Main Roads Minister, Queensland motorists urged to avoid travel, 10 January 2011: scoop.co.nz
- Queensland tourism flood update and travel info, 18 January 2011: traveloscopy.blogspot.com
- Wikipedia, 2010-11 Queensland floods: en.wikipedia.org