Community
12 January, 2024
Severe weather warning cancelled but roads still closed
A SEVERE weather warning has been cancelled for north of Port Douglas but roads remain closed as well as the Daintree ferry service.
UPDATE: Noon
Heavy rainfall easing across the North Tropical Coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology says "severe weather is no longer occurring in Queensland".
"The immediate threat of severe weather has passed. There is a slight chance of heavy rainfall developing about the north tropical coast again Friday night so further warnings will be issued if necessary," the bureau said.
But the Douglas Shire Council has issued an emergency alert.
"Council advises Cape Tribulation Road at Alexandra and Noah Range is closed due to dangerous conditions. The Daintree Ferry is also closed until further notice," the council said.
For more information listen to local radio or visit the Douglas Shire Council Disaster Dashboard: dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au/
The Bureau of Meteorology said since 9am on Thursday, rainfall in excess of 200 mm had been recorded in the Daintree and Mossman River catchments.
"This is causing river and creek level rises throughout the catchments," it said.
"Further rainfall is forecast during Friday, which may cause additional river level rises.
"A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall is current for parts of north tropical coast and Tablelands forecast district including the Daintree and Mossman catchments.
Douglas Shire Council has called on Port Douglas, Mossman and Newell Beach residents to urgently reduce water use immediately, or potentially face more disruptions to supply, after heavy rainfall overnight caused a key water main to break.
Council acting chief executive officer Scott Mason said water restrictions had now been
turned on to level 4.
“We are urging locals to do the right thing and be mindful of how they use water. Our crews
are working to fix the broken water main at Crees Creek as quickly as possible,” he said,
“We can’t stress enough how important it is for everyone to respect the new restrictions to
protect our already vulnerable water supply.”
Locals are being warned if the demand for water does not decrease, Council will be
compelled to implement rolling limitations and/or stopping of supply across the shire.
“Residents are advised to avoid any unnecessary water consumption, such as long showers,
washing machines, using the hose for cleaning, filling pools or watering lawns,” Mr Mason
said.
“By working together, we can overcome this water shortage and ensure the long-term
sustainability of our water resources,” he said.
A travel warning has also been issued with all roads north of the Daintree River now
closed to all traffic due to more landslips and rockfalls.
The Daintree Ferry is continuing to operate for now to reach limited local properties, but
is expected to close at 10am today during the high tide and will open again as soon as it’s
safe to do so.
Further updates will be available through the official channels, including Douglas Shire
Council’s website, the disaster dashboard and social media platforms.
