Residents and businesses in the picturesque village of Paluma are facing an extended period of isolation, with the Queensland government unable to provide a completion date for critical repairs to the severely damaged Mount Spec Road.
The vital access route, which connects the community to the city of Townsville, was devastated by a significant landslip during heavy rainfall in late February 2024. The collapse left a massive void in the roadway, completely cutting off the primary link for the approximately 150 people who call Paluma home.
Minister's Visit Fails to Deliver Certainty
During a site inspection on Wednesday, Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey acknowledged the severity of the damage but pointedly refused to commit to a timeline for the road's reopening.
The minister confirmed that geotechnical investigations were still underway to determine the full scope of the work required. He stated that until these assessments are complete, any estimate on a finish date would be premature. This leaves the community, which relies on the road for tourism, daily commuting, and essential services, in a state of prolonged uncertainty.
Currently, the only access to Paluma is via a lengthy and rough detour using Hidden Valley road, a journey that adds significant travel time and is unsuitable for many vehicles.
Community and Business Impact Deepens
The ongoing closure is having a severe impact on local enterprises, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The Mount Spec Road is a popular scenic drive and a key route for visitors to the Paluma Range National Park.
Business owners have reported a dramatic drop in trade, with some fearing for their long-term viability if the closure persists into the peak tourist season. The situation is also causing logistical headaches for residents, affecting school runs, grocery supplies, and access to medical services in Townsville.
While temporary access for essential deliveries and emergency services is being maintained via the damaged section under strict supervision, this does little to alleviate the broader economic and social strain on the village.
Call for Transparency and Urgent Action
The lack of a firm timeline has sparked frustration within the community. Locals and business operators are calling for greater transparency from the government and a clear, accelerated plan for the repair works.
They argue that the road's importance as a critical piece of regional infrastructure warrants urgent attention and resources. The repair project is expected to be complex and costly, involving significant earthworks and stabilisation to prevent future failures.
With the minister offering no end in sight, the people of Paluma are left waiting for answers, hoping that the path back to normalcy is paved sooner rather than later.
