Queensland’s landslip-plagued Burnett Highway is likely to remain partially closed until August, forcing many grey nomads to change their travel plans … and communities along the route to potentially suffer economically.
Flooding on Australia Day caused 35 landslips along the highway at the Mount Morgan Range section south of Rockhampton, making the road impassable at certain points. A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson says while work is well under way and some of the slips which occurred above the highway have been cleared, access remains difficult and dangerous.
However, businesses in Mount Morgan are anxious to let grey nomads and other potential travellers know that the town is still accessible from the north and south, with a detour along Razorback Rd for those coming from Rockhampton.
Owner of Mount Morgan News Kerrilyn Page told the Morning Bulletin that business had slowed because people were unsure they could access the town.
“A lot of the tourists aren’t coming through,” she said. “They hear that the Burnett Highway is closed or a detour is available and they immediately think it won’t be as good.”
She told the Bulletin the town had missed out on tourism traffic because of misinformation about the highway.
Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc project officer Camille Steinberger said this time of year was often a busier season for visitors to the town.
“We just want to take the opportunity to ensure people know that there is still access from both the north and south,” she told the Bulletin.
Have you tried to travel the Burnett Highway recently? Have you avoided Mount Morgan? Comment below.
