Maroc - TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - Aujourd'hui 00:25

Heavy rain closes North Queensland plantations

All plantation forests north of Townsville are now closed to public access due to heavy rainfall. The situation will be reassessed on Thursday, 6 February 2025. Source: Timberbiz The closure includes HQP’s Ingham, Cardwell, Atherton and Kuranda plantations. Conditions may be unsafe and damage to the road network can be extensive when conditions are this wet. Several North Queensland rivers are flooding and warnings are in place from Tully to Ayr, with a severe thunderstorm warnings for Cairns. More heavy falls are forecast across parts of North Queensland that have already recorded more than 500 millimetres of rain in recent days. Catchments are at bursting point with roads awash and flights cancelled. A period of sustained dry weather will be required before plantations roads can be traversed safely and without causing further damage. HQP is urging all recreation users to respect these closures so that safe and responsible access to the plantations can be restored as soon as possible. Plantation forest closures fall under the Forestry Act 1959 and can be enforced by police, QPWS rangers and plantation officers. Fines for non-compliance currently range from $276 to almost $1,400. Driving through mud on plantations roads at any time is also unlawful and penalties apply. State and local government-managed roads through plantations remain open unless otherwise indicated by closed gates, road signage or police. Please refer to the Parks and Forests website www.parks.des.qld.gov.au for restrictions in relation to campgrounds and other areas managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in this area.