Mount Spec Residents Demand Answers On Road Repairs

Residents and business owners in Paluma and Hidden Valley say they are being left in limbo, months after flooding and landslides devastated Mount Spec Road and cut off vital access to their communities.

Hinchinbrook MP and Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto, has joined their call for urgent answers, pressing the State Government and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to provide a clear timeline for when the road will be fully restored.

Road crews on the ground have taken on a mammoth task under extremely difficult conditions and I thank them for their continued efforts as they work to clear and stabilise Mount Spec Road, but it’s now time for the Minister to provide the residents and small businesses in this area some certainty around when access will be restored,” Mr Dametto said.

Following the destructive February floods, multiple landslides rendered Mount Spec Road—classified as a Heritage Listed route—impassable. While temporary access has since been restored via the western route, locals are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of information about the long-term plan.

“Every day without answers pushes this community closer to the brink of collapse," added Mr Dametto.

"People who live in Paluma and work in Townsville have been forced to either spend hours travelling via Hervey Range Road or pay for accommodation in Townsville just to keep their jobs - this situation is completely untenable.”

Mr Dametto acknowledged the importance of preserving historic infrastructure, such as Crystal Creek Bridge and the heritage culverts, but believes the listing of the entire road is preventing critical upgrades.

“Our office is currently putting together an application to scrab the heritage listing in favour of building a fit for purpose road that may mitigate some these issues into the future,” he said.

While praising the collaboration seen during the recovery of the Olera Creek Bridge on the Bruce Highway, Mr Dametto said the same urgency must now be applied to Mount Spec Road.

“People aren’t asking for miracles, they understand that this is a complex task - all we expect is a clear plan and a genuine timeline for delivery,” he said.

Locals are encouraged to share their concerns with Mr Dametto’s office as the push for clarity and stronger infrastructure continues.