- Major reconstruction works have commenced on Mount Spec Road.
- The next phase of works is focused on repairs to two high-risk sites to allow removal of the restricted access permit system.
- Extensive damage to Mount Spec Road was caused by an extreme rainfall event in early 2025, which resulted in more than 60 landslips.
Major reconstruction works have begun on Mount Spec Road following significant damage caused by severe weather earlier this year.
The commencement of reconstruction works follows emergency repairs, geotechnical investigations, and design work being completed to prepare for this next phase of works.
Reconstruction works will initially focus on reducing risks at two high-risk sites to allow for the removal of the restricted access permit system.
This will include controlled blasting to remove a very large boulder at one of the critical sites near Little Crystal Creek which has been a major safety concern.
During blasting Mount Spec Road will be closed for safety reasons, with residents given advance notice so they can plan their travel.
Stabilising works will also be completed at other sites to minimise further damage from the upcoming wet season. Geotechnical treatments such as shotcreting, soil nailing, and gabion baskets will be used, alongside landscaping to restore the road to its pre-event function.
During the reconstruction works single-lane access will be maintained from 6am to 6pm where possible.
The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government was working closely with the Crisafulli Government to ensure the reconstruction works progress as quickly as possible.
"We understand the difficulties residents and businesses in Paluma have experienced because of widespread and extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding in North Queensland earlier this year," Minister McBain said.
"The beginning of these more substantial restoration works builds on the momentum to ensure access to this beautiful part of North Queensland is fully restored and safe for road users, bringing certainty for locals that visitors can return.
"Our government is committed to jointly funding this project through the DRFA and we'll continue working with the Queensland Government to support the ongoing recovery effort."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Department of Transport and Main Roads would work with the contractor to minimise disruptions to the local community while working to fix the road as soon as possible.
"We understand the importance of this road to the local Paluma community, tourism operators and visitors to this beautiful Wet Tropics World Heritage Area," Minister Mickelberg said.
"This will not be a quick fix due to the significant scale of the damage and the nature of the complex repairs requiring highly specialised expertise and equipment.
"We will work with the contractor to minimise disruptions and balance the need to fix the road as quickly as possible, while maintaining community access where it is safe to do so.
"We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation as we carry out the reconstruction works".
