Tropical Cyclone Jasper struck the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula in early December 2023. The wettest tropical cyclone in Australian history, Jasper dumped over 2,250 mm of rain with wind gusts peaking at 270 km/h.

It caused significant damage, including the destruction of 18 homes and severe damage to 168 others. The Palmerston Highway, a crucial route between the southern Atherton Tablelands and the Far North Queensland coast, suffered catastrophic damage, disrupting transportation for agriculture and tourism industries. The Palmerston-Highway Re-opening is an important milestone in the recovery of Far North Queensland.

Loss of critical infrastructure

The Palmerston Highway is an important route that runs between the southern Atherton Tablelands and the coast of Far North Queensland (FNQ) at Innisfail. It is the most direct link between the agriculture and tourism industries of FNQ and the coastal link provided by the Federal Highway along the coast. The nearest link is Gillies Range Road, another 50 minutes further north. The heavy rainfall caused landslips and pavement failures along the highway, which carries more than 300 trucks every day.

Work supporting Palmerston Highway Re-opening

Work on the Palmerston Highway Re-opening began on 8 January as soon as the ground stopped moving and had dried enough to allow crews to work safely. This work placed a temporary seal between Crawford’s Lookout and Junction Road, creating a single-lane connection. The new seal was opened on 10 February, ahead of schedule. 

Even this has been a massive undertaking, with 4,200 tonnes of earth excavated, 4,500 tonnes of rock installed, 1,500 tonnes of road base laid, and 150 tonnes of asphalt. This means traffic can now pass safely along the highway.  While the highway is currently a single lane, this achievement is a crucial step in rebuilding Far North Queensland and reconnecting communities.

This important work on the Palmerston Highway Re-Opening was made possible through the jointly funded and NEMA-administered Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

Image credit: Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads