Author: admin

Queries regarding the tenders for remediation of the Mt Spec Range Road

Recently, David Roveda wrote to TMR asking them for information relating to the tenders that have been invited for work on repairing the damage to the Range Road. His questions are highly relevant to the broader Paluma community and its concerns about timelines for full opeing of the range road. David has suggested that the resulting exchange be published on Paluma.org. In David’s words:

“This started out with a simple request to get a copy of the tender documents which I have outlined the reasons for this in the most recent email below…Not an unreasonable request I would have thought but it seems like TMR are throwing all sorts of obstacles in the way. I smell a rat!! Interesting to note that they use Transparency and Ethics as a reason to not provide any details.”

From: David Roveda
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 2:23 PM
To: Engagement Northern <engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au>
Subject: Re: Request for Tender Documents – Mount Spec Road

               Without Prejudice, Save as to Costs

Hello Clare

As a concerned resident and owner of a small business in Paluma (and tax payer I might add), there are a number of reasons why I would like to have access to the tender documents for the Mount Spec Road project as I believe it may contain answers to several important and relevant questions. They include but are not restricted to the following:

  1. The expected duration of the project. When is the date for practical completion. Is there an expectation that the project completion and therefore the reopening of the road will not occur in the next 6 months? 12 months? 18 months?? Is the road likely to reopen to the public prior to the project completion. Will the road stay open to permit holders during the day with most of the work occurring at night. Has any thought been given to closing the road to all traffic during the work program in an effort to speed up work as well as avoiding dangerous working conditions during the night.
  2. The actual scope of work. Is the planned project work only expected to repair and restore the road to the pre-February condition or is there an expectation that the road will be improved to at least 21st century safety standards for a public road. Is there provision for road widening, parking or turning bays at strategic locations and placement of safety barriers where there is a risk of vehicles going over steep embankments.
  3. What constraints will the successful tenderer be working under in regard to Environmental and Heritage guidelines. As an example, will blanket approval be allowed for foliage removal during the process or will it be on a case by case, location by location requirement. Will repairs to relatively insignificant heritage areas be stifled and rendered overly complicated and therefore become costly and time consuming issues.

These and several other questions were raised at the TMR meeting 9th July 2025 and to date, none have been satisfactorily answered. Perhaps now would be a good time.

Sincerely

David Roveda

From: Engagement Northern <engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au>
Sent: Friday, August 8, 2025 9:46 AM
To: David Roveda
Subject: RE: Request for Tender Documents – Mount Spec Road

Good morning David

Thank you for your email dated 29 July 2025 regarding your request for access to the tender documents for the Mount Spec Road project.

We would like to provide further clarification as to why your request has been declined.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) follows the Transport Infrastructure Project Delivery System (TIPDS), which is designed to ensure value for money in the delivery of infrastructure projects. TIPDS provides comprehensive guidance on procurement processes, including:

  • Developing the most appropriate delivery strategy
  • Procedures for calling, compiling, and assessing tenders
  • Determining eligibility criteria for tenderers.

As outlined in TIPDS Volume 2, Section 6.6.1, districts now utilise the QBuild eTender system. This platform is specifically designed to allow only prequalified tenderers, at or above the required levels, to access tender documents. This ensures that only suppliers with the appropriate capability and expertise are invited to tender.

The tendering process, whether through single/sole invitation, restricted, or open tender, forms the basis of engagement and contract formation between the principal and suppliers. As a government agency, TMR is bound by the Queensland Procurement Policy, which mandates that all procurement activities be conducted in an ethical, transparent, and confidential manner to ensure value for money for the public.

Allowing access to tender documents by parties who are not prequalified would compromise several key principles of the procurement process, including:

  1. Confidentiality – Protecting the integrity of the contract between the principal and suppliers
  2. Transparency and Ethics – Ensuring fair and unbiased decision-making
  3. Efficiency – Maintaining the timeframe allocated for the procurement process

Restricted tenders are specifically designed to target suppliers who meet the required qualifications and capabilities. This approach not only ensures the suitability of participants but also streamlines the evaluation process and expedites contract award.

It is not standard or ethical practice to involve non-prequalified parties in the tendering process. However, general members of the public may request information about the engagement through a formal information request after the contract has been awarded.

We trust this explanation clarifies the basis for our decision. Should you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Kind regards,

Clare 
Customer and Stakeholder Management Team – Northern District, North Queensland Region


From: David Roveda
Sent: Tuesday, 29 July 2025 3:12 PM
To: Engagement Northern <engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au>
Subject: Re: Request for Tender Documents – Mount Spec Road

Clare,

I acknowledge receipt of your notification refusing my request for a copy of the Tender documents promulgated on 14/7/25 in respect of Mt Spec Road repair contracts , which is the public access to my business in Paluma village which has been closed to Mt Spec Road travelers since 1/2/25 and  which has thereby caused my business to be closed through lack of customers who formerly used the Mt Spec Road to visit my business . ( “ my locus standi”)

Please advise & provide the following details in relation to the TMR Decision to refuse my request to be given a copy of the TMR tender advertisement document :

( a) The full name of the TMR Decision Maker ( delegate or otherwise)

( b) The date of the aforesaid Decision.

(c) The legislative authority relied upon by TMR to refuse my request.

( d) A copy of the TMR Decision Maker’s written file record of the said Decision .

David Roveda
Mt Spec Road
Paluma.

From: Engagement Northern <engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 1:41 PM
To: David Roveda
Subject: RE: Request for Tender Documents – Mount Spec Road

Good afternoon David,

While we understand that this information will be of interest to people, the tender documents have been restricted to pre-qualified contractors as this provides confidence to TMR that suitably qualified contractors are being engaged to undertake the works. As the works are challenging both technically and due to site conditions, TMR believes that this is the best option.  

Please be assured that we will communicate any updates to the community as soon as information becomes available.

Kind regards,

Clare  
Customer and Stakeholder Management Team – Northern District | North Queensland Region

From: David Roveda
Sent: Monday, 28 July 2025 5:52 PM
To: Engagement Northern <engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au>
Subject: Re: Request for Tender Documents – Mount Spec Road

Hi Clare,

Is there any reason why this particular tender is currently restricted to pre-qualified contractors?

I would have thought it would be in the public interest to have open access.

Is there any reason why the scope of works has not already been communicated to the community given that it must already be outlined in the tender documents. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that I am one of a number of businesses in the area who have not been able reopen since 1st February 2025 due to the road closure.

It is imperative that we have some idea what is going on or at least planned to go on so that we can make informed LIFE DECISIONS. We are receiving no on going financial assistance while our business remains closed and we need to know now whether we continue to live in hope or do we permanently close the business…

Sincerely

David Roveda

From: Engagement Northern <engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2025 1:52 PM
To: David Roveda
Subject: Request for Tender Documents – Mount Spec Road

Good afternoon David,

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has received your request for the Mount Spec Road tender documents. Please note that this particular tender is currently restricted to pre-qualified contractors, and as such, we are unable to issue the documents to you at this time.

TMR will provide an update to the community regarding the commencement and scope of works once the tender process has been completed and submissions have been reviewed.

We appreciate your enquiry and your interest in the project.

Kind regards,
Clare

Les Hyland: Reminiscences from Adele Hallows.

Attached are reminiscences of Les Hyland, written by a lifelong friend, Adele Hallows.

Forwarded by Linda Venn

MEMORIES! I first met Leslie through canoeing followed by some years of canoeing, hiking, sightseeing around Ireland with friends, notably June Howard.

Leslie worked in a travel agency and liked nothing better than someone coming in with a challenging itinerary to places a lot of people had never heard of. Because of the Irish climate most people just wanted to head for the Mediterranean sun. We went on skiing holidays to Scotland and Norway but of course there was also a fair amount of time devoted to railway interests. I remember being on a steam train in Scotland and Leslie chasing it in his Morris Minor careening around the narrow roads. Memories of going to Irish Railway Records Society Christmas dinners and being the only female …

But then our good friends, the Stronachs, Jean and Peter with teenagers Steve and Ken emigrated to Australia and in time glowing reports would come from the land Down Under. Let’s emigrate to Australia! And so in 1974 we set off on the SS Australis and, the Suez Canal being closed at the time, sailed for five weeks via the Canaries, Cape Town, Freemantle, Melbourne and disembarking in Sydney. Coming up on deck and seeing the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge was like walking into a movie set. Train to Townsville and off by ferry to Magnetic Island and a big welcome from the Stronachs. I remember the next day the boys driving us around the island and telling us all the things that could kill you in Australia! All our friends in Ireland were envious of us living on a tropical island and commuting to work by ferry, Leslie to Townsville Tour Coaches and me to Arthur James, Accountant. We eventually moved to the mainland. I always remember Leslie’s comments after being away on one of the TTC tours “the youngsters play up all night and sleep all day; the oldies play up all night AND all day!”

A trip to India in 1975 travelling with my schoolfriend Ruth who was working in India at the time. Much to Leslie’s delight she had managed to procure a copy of the All India Timetable but which sadly was stolen later in the trip. We travelled from the Himalayas (toy train to Darjeeling etc) to Ooty in the south. On return from India I headed south to Melbourne and, the best thing that could have happened, Leslie met his soulmate Lynn, in the Townsville Bushwalkers and the rest is history.

I had many happy holidays with them over the years and one time June was visiting and up in Paluma pointed out a house that was for sale – hence Barr na Coille came into being. Les and Lynn had such happy and fulfilling lives together that my heart now goes out to Lynn having to carry on alone but I know she will have great support from family and friends. They fitted in a lot of travel over the years and did many good works with the Lions.

The world is a better place because of them. Their friendship knew no bounds and they were always in the thick of things giving their support. In Paluma they will not be forgotten as they have a walking trail named after them. People have written such lovely condolences I always think its a shame that the person in question cannot read them! Sadly that Irish accent will no longer be heard …

Adele Hallows

Funeral for Les Hyland

Les is being privately cremated this Thursday 10th and A Celebration of Life Service will be held next Tuesday 15th July at Morleys Lakeside  Chapel at 2.00 p.m. with refreshments to follow on site.

Hope you have plenty of volunteers for this year’s Paluma Push and that all goes well on the day. Les had so enjoyed being a part of it all for many years at Checkpoint One.

Lynn Hyland

Les Hyland – the end of a life of social commitment

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Les Hyland on Wednesday, July 2nd. Les was a well-loved respected part of the Paluma Community who served in numerous roles with passion, humour and dedication. A more detailed obituary will follow, along with information about the funeral, but here are some words from Lynn regarding his last days.

Les had taken a very sudden decline in mental and physical health over the past month and had suffered a number of falls , fortunately with no serious obvious  injuries. His last fall on June  24th resulted in an admission to TUH in the early hours of the morning. Each day he rapidly declined further and was finally admitted to the Palliative Ward at 4.00 a.m. yesterday Tue. 1st July. He hadn’t slept for 7 days which made matters a lot worse. He had accepted using his CPAP mask on Mon.30th and was a lot more settled but we knew by then that he wasn’t going to be coming home. At no time was he in pain or distressed. The decision was made at 2.30 p.m. to remove the mask and up his morphine levels. He was gone from us by 3.15 p.m. – very quiet and peaceful, the way he would have wanted it to be.

Lynn Hyland

2nd Letter to the Minister regarding Range Road permits

Here is my latest email to TMR and the minister. It’s great that this in only one of many emails that other residents (I will let them identify themselves if they wish) have written to TMR, the Minister and the Premier expressing their anger and frustration over how the permit system has been implemented and the refusal of the Department to openly share the information and reasoning that has guided their decisions.

Wed 4/06/2025 4:10 PM

The Honourable Brent Mickelberg MP,
Minister for Transport and Main Roads

Dear Minister, 

I am disappointed not to have received a response from you to my previous email (May 21).  I acknowledge the response received on May 27 from your Director General  to an earlier email (May 19) on the same issue.

Unfortunately the response from Ms Stannard was not very informative and mostly repeated the rather vague information from TMR Range Road Updates. I had indicated this information was deficient for the purpose of understanding how the permit system had been developed and why it clearly discriminates between different categories of residents in Paluma. That email also refused to provide the PDCA with access to technical documents that would help us to understand the facts and reasoning behind permit decisions.

The Mt Spec Road has been closed to all traffic for nearly 4 months and continues to be closed to part-time residents and the general public.  The poor state of the dirt road providing access to the Village and surrounding district means that access is impossible or highly impractical for non-permanent who don’t have high clearance vehicles and those individual whose health could be compromised by travel over rough surfaces. Commercial enterprises in Paluma are in dire straits, and there are strong rumours that the range road will remain closed till the end of the year. This is virtually guaranteed to result in severe financial distress if not bankruptcies.

The latest update on the Mt Spec Range road report continues to arrogantly provide less and less information on the progress towards opening the Road to all residents, and the general public.  The PDCA finds it extremely disappointing that TMR  has not provided specific dates (or even provisional targets) for:

  1. Opening permit applications from part-time residents
  2. Analysis of permits applications and issue of formal permits
  3. Commencement and likely duration of restoration works at critical sites

Closing of a public road and effectively cutting off homeowners from accessing their properties is a very significant imposition on people’s daily lives and personal freedoms. For many of us Paluma is an extension of our Townsville home and being refused access can be likened to being told we know longer have access to some of the rooms in our house.   In making such a major decision, with profound personal impacts the government has a duty to follow best practise and:

  1. Base its decision on careful expert analysis of the risks to those requiring access, that is based on reliable verified data
  2. Base its decision on a clear understanding of the risk tolerance of those who will be affected and the impacts of denying them road access
  3. Seek independent review of its data, analysis conclusions
  4. Consult (not just inform) those affected during the decision-making process, to explore level of risk tolerance, and alternative means of reducing risk whilst minimizing impacts
  5. Openly share and explain the key data and logic behind its decision as part of this public consultation

Unfortunately, due to the active refusal of the Department to answer our request for information on data used and processes followed to make its decision, the residents of Paluma are quite reasonably inclined to consider the possibility that none of the above steps were properly followed and that the restrictions imposed are based on inadequate data and faulty reasoning. They also would be reasonably entitled to feel furious that major impositions on their lives have been made without adequate justification.

In addition to the lack of best practise in items 4 and 5 above and lack of demonstrated best practice in items 1-3,  residents’ confidence in TMR decision making has fallen due to two key decisions that defy common logic.  In the absence of any cogent explanation from TMR they just don’t pass the “Pub Test”. 

  1. Closure of the road after dark.

TMR has frequently allowed traffic to travel up the range road after dark when the road had significant sections that were reduced to one lane and subject to traffic lights. Clearly the risk of a land slide does not increase at night, and the use of powered night lights on those critical sections would adequately ensure that any land slip would be detected as easily, or even better, than during daylight. So why insist that the road must be closed after dark for safety reasons? And why allow current permit holders to start up the range road at 6pm when this means that a large part of the trip will be made after sunset in darkness?   In the absence of any explanation from TMR, the most logical explanation is that the TMR wishes to avoid costs of manning the gates after 6pm. If so the TMR is being duplicitous in using safety as a more palatable justification than penny pinching.  If this is an unfair assessment TMR could just answer the question we have posed repeatedly over the last month.

  1. Using traffic volume rather than individual risk levels to determine how many permits should be issued

Unless TMR has established that an increase in the number of small vehicles traveling on the road will increase the probability of a land slip there appears to be no reason to claim that capping the number of vehicles on the road will increase safety.  Safety is increased by decreasing the likelihood to individual people or cars that they will be hit by a landslip.  This could be achieved by obvious measures that stabilise the slope or provide remote monitoring and telemetry to warn of any signs of increasing instability.  Increasing traffic volume does not affect individual risk. If the road was opened up to all residents and homeowners none of them would be placed at a higher risk than those who already have permits. Likewise letting additional people use the road would not change the risk to permanent residents.  So why does TMR justify its claim that vehicle cap is in place to increase public safety?  Perhaps it’s because TMR does run the risk that as the volume of cars goes up, there could be more cars caught in a land slip, which results in greater political and legal liability.  Using this logic, we should be restricting the number of cars allowed to use roads on public holidays – it would drastically reduce the carnage on our highways. But we don’t do this. Instead, we try to reduce individual risk by keeping dangerous drivers off the road through increased RBTs and speed traps.

Currently part-residents are furious because they have been deprived of access to their homes and are being kept in the dark about the reasons for this. TMR is refusing to provide residents with information that might provide satisfactory explanations to the illogical nature of its decisions, and this is leading to rampant speculation that TMR is either incompetent, duplicitous or both!

The current TMR Road report just repeats pathetic platitudes about how much it appreciates our patience and understanding, both of which were exhausted weeks ago!

Minister, the PDCA calls on you to thoroughly review the analyses and decisions that have been made and ensure that best practise (including external review and true community consultation) is being implemented. Based on the publicly released information we believe that your Department’s decisions have unnecessarily made life increasingly intolerable for Paluma residents. We seek urgent relief from what are viewed as draconian decisions based on faulty reasoning.

Yours sincerely

Jamie Oliver
President, Paluma & District Community Association