Media Release

North Queensland trucking companies have been left stranded, causing confusion and amplifying the economic impact of the devastating floods.

“Our supermarket shelves are running empty, whilst our bananas, potatoes, mangoes, papaws, pineapples can’t get to the southern markets,” said Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter.

“The lack of information from authorities is causing huge stress and uncertainty – rumours about road closures, weight limits and alternative routes can’t be verified.”

Darryl Pederson, National Road Traders Association advises “transport operators need 24-hour access to detailed information on road conditions,alternate routes, what they can carry and consideration given to exceptions to weight limits when a trip is already under way.”

“We’re happy to forward the information to all operators; we just need it given to us in the first place.”

Mr Katter also called on authorities to open roads as soon as possible.

“Only today we were told of an instance where a key access road remains closed despite water levels having dropped to two feet below a concrete bridge – freight is being delayed, fruit is rotting and people are being cut-off,” he said.

“Shouldn’t authorities be opening roads as soon as practical to avoid such losses?

“We’re not advocating irresponsibility in the crossing of flooded causeways, just common sense.”