Reconstruction works are underway to repair two landslip sites on the Palmerston Highway (Millaa Millaa-Innisfail).
Tropical Cyclone Jasper and associated flooding in December 2023 extensively damaged these sites.
The department carried out emergency works to restore safe access ahead of time, while long-term reconstruction works were planned.
We are developing a delivery strategy to minimise disruptions to motorists where possible. However, the scale of the reconstruction program means traffic delays and temporary changed traffic conditions will be unavoidable to keep everyone safe at work sites.
Disaster recovery will be a long-term process and involves an extensive program of works and complex solutions for the Palmerston Highway which winds through Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest area.
Site 1 involves stabilisation works above and below the road.
The upslope repairs will involve micro piles and a gabion structure (rocks in steel wire baskets), with approximately 200 soil nails installed either side of the structure to stabilise the embankment.
Approximately 80 piles will be installed over 160m to stabilise the downslope hillside.
Hydromulch and tube stock planting will rehabilitate damaged sections of the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest within the road corridor.
At site 2, approximately 370 soil nails and high-tension mesh will stabilise the upslope embankment. Hydromulch will help rehabilitate damaged sections of Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest within the road corridor.
All works are targeted to be completed by mid-2026, weather and site conditions permitting.
The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Reconstruction works are underway.
The contract for the reconstruction works has been awarded to John Holland Queensland Pty Ltd and works are underway.
Last updated: 18 February 2025
The department is working on about 1100 projects to restore roads across Queensland damaged by floods and bushfires. The department is also reconnecting communities and supporting regional economic recovery after disaster events damaged the state-controlled road network in 2020–25.
The department is moving into the reconstruction phase of the Tropical Cyclone Jasper recovery. This event in December 2023 caused severe damage to the state-controlled road network due to record rainfall.
