The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) has called for the swift application of financial relief for road freight transport companies battling to overcome the difficult conditions created by the severe, ongoing flood event in the state’s northern regions.
With the Bruce Highway leading into Far North Queensland all but out of action due to the collapse of the Ollera Creek Bridge, drivers are currently undertaking detours of thousands of kilometres to deliver essential goods and services to communities cut off by the flooding.
QTA CEO Gary Mahon has called the current conditions “unprecedented” and says additional and rapid support is needed to help bolster the crucial industry during these difficult times.
“The current situation we now find ourselves in is unprecedented in Queensland with no or very limited, intermittent access into the north of the state,” Mahon says.
“With daily losses exceeding $100,000/fleet and hundreds of truck drivers driving 1000km detours, road freight transport businesses and their truck drivers are under immense pressure to deliver goods while battling adverse weather conditions, logistical barriers and bureaucracy.
“The current flood situation has not only caused significant delays in the transportation of essential supplies but has also placed substantial stress on our industry and the communities that rely on our services.
“Without timely interventions and support, the economic ramifications could escalate, affecting both road transport businesses, their customers and the communities they serve.”
Mahon also says companies are engaging in the use of private helicopters to rescue stranded drivers from flooded regions, which is a further additional expense for transport companies
A Blenners Transport driver was among three drivers rescued from the Ingham region through the use of a private helicopter operated by Liddles Air Service.
Road transport businesses that are operating in the impacted regions have released a variety of statements in response to the difficult conditions faced, with Followmont Transport issuing an explainer regarding temporary surcharges for deliveries in the north and Far North Queensland regions.
The Queensland-based company operates a significant number of depots in key regional locations across the state’s north and Far North, including in Cairns, Townsville, Charters Towers and Ayr.
The statement, which has also been issued on social media by Managing Director Mark Tobin, has drawn praise for its transparency regarding the difficulty of the situation.
Tobin says the surcharges do not cover the costs of operating in the flood-affected regions but is still needed to keep services running.
“Please know this temporary surcharge is a difficult but necessary measure,” Tobin says. “It does not come close to covering the immense costs we are facing to continue operating in our communities, but it allows us to keep essential services running.
“We do not take this decision lightly. We have absorbed costs where possible but operating under these conditions is not sustainable without this short-term adjustment. Without it, we simply would not be able to reach these locations, letting down both our people and the communities we serve.
“We are not alone in making these tough choices. This crisis has impacted the entire transport industry.
“Yet, we remain committed to doing everything we can to maintain a safe and viable solution.
“I would like to reinforce that this surcharge is only temporary, and normal trade will resume once possible.”
Other national carriers including the likes of Centurion have released statements regarding the temporary shutting or scaling down of operations in flood impacted regions as driver and employee safety is prioritised.
Relief to the wet conditions is not expected to come in the immediate future, with weather forecasts still expecting extensive rain to be dumped on the already flood-hit regions.
30 millimetres of rain fell in just three hours in Townsville overnight, while the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecasted between 25 and 120mm is expected for Tuesday, February 11.
BOM is also predicting up to 100mm of rain in Ayr on Tuesday.
The forecast for rain in the region is expected to drop significantly later in the week.
Read more ATN:
Brisbane to gain new mega freight hub
Dangerous Goods Code updated
Challenges facing ADR harmonisation review