As mentioned in the last “Paluma in the Rain” update, we had a visit from the acting Mayor (Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney) and Zac Daws, Local Disaster Coordinator last Sunday. In preparation for the meeting, Peter Cooke wrote up a list of issues for discussion which included:
lack of news on the state of the range road and the schedule for repairs
lack of adequate backup power for the Telstra mobile phone tower
need for a formal landing area near the village for helicopters
need for rubbish collection as soon as possible
need for road maintenance to Ewan and Hervey’s Range road
request to increase bandwidth of the TCC wifi link at the Community Hall
The mayor noted that many of these items were outside their immediate responsibility but undertook to pass our concerns on to the relevant authority, and to respond in writing to those issues it was in a position to act on.
The following response was sent to Charlie Allen and Ross Hyne on Monday.
As promised by the Department of Transport and Main Roads last week, here is the first update on the status of the Range Road up to Paluma. These will appear on Tuesdays and Fridays until all work has been completed. If you would like to receive these reports directly by email please send a request to: engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au
Update for residents and the community of Paluma, Hidden Valley and surrounds
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) wishes to provide you with an important update regarding the current status of Mount Spec Road, which has been severely impacted by the recent weather event in early February.
Due to extensive landslips and debris, Mount Spec Road remains closed to all traffic. Our work crews are working diligently to assess the damage and implement the necessary steps to restore accessibility.
Assessment of Mount Spec Road remains our priority over the coming weeks.
Image of Mount Spec Road is current and was captured as part of recent road inspections. Source: TMR
Mount Spec Road was closed following the severe weather event and remains inaccessible to traffic and walkers due to extensive landslips and debris.
Assessment of Mount Spec Road conditions remains our priority over the coming weeks.
On 7 February 2025, TMR crews carried out an inspection of Mount Spec Road, however, were only able to assess three to four kilometres of the road.
As of 14 February 2025, TMR have successfully cut a single-lane path approximately 17 kilometres on MountSpec Road towards Paluma.
TMR have recommenced on the ground assessments of Mount Spec Road and will work towards reopening the road as soon as possible, weather and conditions permitting.
Image of Mount Spec Road is current and was captured as part of recent road inspections. Source: TMR Image of Mount Spec Road is current and was captured as part of recent road inspections. Source: TMR
Community Updates
TMR’s Northern District, Customer and Stakeholder Management (CSM) team will provide two updates each week to the community of Paluma:
Tuesdays: An overview of planned works for the week
Fridays: A progress update on completed and ongoingworks.
These updates will continue until the road is fully reopened. In some cases, updates may indicate that there is no new information; however, this ensures ongoing communication and reassures you that the CSM team is available to answer any questions. Safety is TMR’s highest priority.
The sun has been shining in Paluma for 3 days now, and while the ground is still soggy and access to and from the village is for higher clearance vehicles, the Village is beginning to recover from the trials and tribulations of the last two weeks. We will provide further updates on the recovery process and efforts to identify how things might be handled even better during future events, but for now Paluma is no longer in the rain. In fact I had to go out and water the Impatiens at the Community Hall on Sunday that were wilting after over two days of full sun.
Probably the best news since the last update is the power was restored to Paluma on February 11th, and with it came Telstra mobile phone access, water treatment, cold and frozen food storage capacity and relief from anxiety about dwindling fuel for generators. That can do a lot to raise spirits.
While most residents report that food is not a major issue, the quality and variety has definitely not yet returned to normal. Food runs by Sam Stedman and other residents returning to the village on soggy roads via Mt Fox or Hervey’s Range Road has helped alleviate this and to maintain a table of various food items at the Community Hall for residents who were running short.
Currently the key factor preventing a return to near-normalcy is access to Townsville and Ingham via the range road. The alternate route via Herveys range has only just opened up officially and it is quite rough in spots. Annoyingly, the bridge over the Star River still has a road closed sign at either end, even though it is now officially open with some restrictions for heavy trucks. A moderate clearance 2wd drive made it back today (Monday) without any problems but small cars with small wheels and low clearance would probably bottom out on the rougher sections. Our trip back to Townsville today took a little over 3 hours, which is twice the normal trip time when using the Paluma range road. The state of the road to Inghan via Mt Fox is reported to be “very rough”.
The Road to Ewan has some areas of severe erosion, but they are clearly marked with witches hats.
The bridge over the Star River is high and dry but heavy trucks are subject to restrictions and there is a warning regarding possible flooding.
There has been much speculation on the severity of damage to the range road and the timetable for Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to effect repairs. On Sunday we were contacted by the TMR engagement group who committed to provide bi-weekly updates (Tuesday and Friday) via their email list on repairs and timetables starting tomorrow. All updates will also be posted on Paluma.org. We were informed that the main concern was an area of undercut road and downhill landslip near Wolfram Creek that will require a considerable volume of fill to be brought in. More details should be available tomorrow.
As a precautionary measure, Paluma received a major delivery of bottled drinking water which is available at the Hall. Our local treatment plant is currently working however any future events that increase turbidity at the source weir might reduce its capacity and result in a need for supplemental water.
On Sunday we had visits from support workers who provided assistance to any residents who were in need of financial assistance as a result of the rains. Representatives from Qld Housing also came up in case there were any residents who required re-housing.
We also had a visit from the acting Mayor (Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney) and Zac Daws, Local Disaster Coordinator who met with a group of residents from Paluma and Hidden Valley community at the hall. A separate post will provide a report and insights arising from that community meeting.
Earlier this afternoon we spoke with Ross Hyne who was able to give us an overview of the current status up at Paluma.
The worst of the rains seems to be over for now but the forecasts for early next week are not encouraging. The biggest risk from further rain is that it might cut off the tenuous road link back to Townsville via Ewan that has been used to bring up fuel and supplies to date.
Yesterday (Saturday February 8th), the Townsville Ciy Council sent up 1000l of petrol for household generators and about 300 litres of diesel for the water treatment plant as well as some medical prescriptions. Sam Stedman and Colin Meads also came up the back way to Hidden Valley to drop off fuel, requested prescriptions and some food which Ross Hyne picked up and took to Paluma. They headed back down immediately and just made it across the Star River bridge before it flooded. The Council workers left later and were unable to cross, spending the night at Zig Zag station.
Power is still out, and further investigations have revealed additional powerline damage on the line to Paluma which could take some time to repair. Plans are being made to bring up a small generator as soon as possible to power key facilities including the Telstra tower.
Major Landslip over powerlines feeding Paluma village. (photo: Ergon)
Food supplies are adequate for the moment and many residents with generators are able to keep some food refrigerated. Fuel will continue to be an issue, especially with the news that further significant work needs to be done to restore power to the village. There has been some discussion on the feasibility of bringing up larger generators via the back road to provide power more widely through the village. Provided the rains do not keep the back road closed for too long, it should be possible to deliver essential supplies to the village (including medical prescriptions for some residents) until the range road is passable.
Hidden Valley remains the worst affected with some homes still flooded or uninhabitable.
Community spirits in Paluma remain good. Daily meetings at the Community Hall are providing an opportunity to check in with everyone, and coordinate the distribution of supplies and requests for further assistance. Initial organisers Tracy Cooper and Sonya Hyne have now passed the baton to Charlie Allen and Ross Hyne who continue to coordinate communications to outside agencies and distributing any incoming resources to all.
The Townsville Disaster Management Group has been in daily contact and the World Central Kitchen organisation has made contact with Paluma. The WCK offered to fly in food supplies and even hot meals if and when required. They have already provided this to other isolated small communities down on the coast who are affected by this rain event.
The residents of Paluma village and neighbouring areas are very grateful to Josh (Macca) from Taravale who provided a starlink device which has allowed people to maintain contact with loved ones, keep track of what’s going on elsewhere as well as receive and send any communications to support agencies as needed.
We wish everyone on the mountain well. Take care and enjoy those snags! 😊
Jamie Oliver and Juanita Poletto
PS Michael Drew would like to remind all about the dangers of Melioidosis when working in and around flood waters and silt.
According to reports in the news and our local readings, Paluma received the lion’s share of the rains that have wreaked havoc on nearby coastal communities. So how has the Village and its inhabitants fared? I have been in Townsville during the event so this report is compiled from various conversations I have had with some residents with phone reception and one intrepid visitor who recently braved the inland route.
Rainfall
During the 4 days of major rain (February 1-4th) Peter Cooke has recorded just over 2m of rain at the official Bureau of Meteorology rain gauge. This must be getting fairly close to a record fall, but I will need to check the records for 2019 first.
Offical Paluma rainfall recoded by Peter Cooke
Power and phones
Near the start of the rains (Saturday at 2 am) power was lost to the Village and in short order this led to the loss of mobile phone service. Some communication lines with Paluma have remained open for those with generators and satellite internet connections, and also for those willing to go out to Witts Lookout or Star Valley Lookout in hopes of a 1 bar signal.
Quite a few people have generators and have been able to ration out their petrol in order to keep fridges and freezers cool, but dwindling petrol supplies is now a concern.
Access to/from Paluma
For a while the village roads were cut both east and west, but once the rain abated a group of locals set about clearing trees between Chicks Road and the Village, and then explored the state of the range road down a ways until they encountered a major landslip with major boulders blocking the way. This slip (probably one of several further down) means that major equipment will need to come up from Townsville before the range road is cleared. With Ollera Creek bridge cut, access to and from Townsville via the Bruce highway, will be impossible for a while, although a temporary bridge has been constructed for emergency vehicles.
Earlier this week Sam Steadman undertook to go up the back way and managed to bring some food and fuel and good cheer to both Hidden Valley and Paluma. This access road is in poor condition and will get worse with use, so it is not recommended unless the need is urgent.
Also, whilst things have been uncomfortable in the village, some of our valley neighbours have fared much worse with up to 1.8 metres of water through their dwellings. The Hidden Valley fire truck has been completely submerged. There are residents in this area unable to return to their homes. They are a strong community and are supporting each other through this but will need the full support available from our local, state and federal bodies to get back on their feet.
Most Paluma residents keep a stock of non-perishable foods so despite a mass cleanout of fridges and freezers, the food situation is not dire at present and relief supplies have been trickling in. The Disaster Management Group is aware of Paluma’s status and is making plans for substantial supply runs in the next day or so. A small group of four wheel drive vehicles is planning to go up with fuel and food this weekend if the rains permit.
Overall I understand the community spirit is high in Paluma and everyone is looking out for one another. There has been a community meeting to discuss coordinating efforts and communications back to Townsville, and there is now a Starlink internet access and a generator in the Community Hall that can be used when the generator is operating. While everyone in the community has played their part, special mention should be made of the two Townsville Water officers, Tracey Cooper and Rick Roveda who have been working overtime to help coordinate and communicate with Townsville City Council during the event. Also, Don Battersby has unsurprisingly been spending most of his time helping out various villagers in innumerable ways.
If any Paluma homeowners who are not currently in the Village would like some assistance in checking out the state of their house, or would like to donate any food or fuel from personal stores already up there, please contact me and I will try to coordinate these requests or offers.
It will probably be some time before life in Paluma returns to normal and I am sure we share the hope that everyone up in Paluma stays safe and secure in the meantime. Our thoughts are with you all!
One of the more spectacular birds in Paluma rainforests, the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera sylvia) is most commonly seen as a small bundle of blue and white with trailing streamers flying across the range road during the wet season between culverts 165-175.
Photo by J.J. Harrison, January 2024. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buff-breasted_paradise_kingfisher
There is something about extravagant elongate plumes that is attractive to humans. In New Guinea bird plumes are highly prized for personal adornment on headdresses. In Europe the passion for plumes nearly led to the decimation of several bird species. Here in Australia, it drives birdwatchers to make pilgrimages, cameras and obscenely long lenses in hand, to observe and photograph them. Our sole representative of this group of memorable birds does not disappoint those lucky enough to get a good view. According to ebird, the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher (PKF) has been seen 6 times around Paluma Village, although it is not clear if these records extend down the range or refer only to the village.
The Buff-breasted PKF like most other species in the genus builds its nest in termite mounds on the ground. They spend the dry season in New Guinea and migrate to NE Queensland at the onset of summer rains. Once they have arrived they spend some time establishing a territory and jointly excavating a fresh hole in an active termite mound of the species Microcerotermes serratus. A long-term study in the Iron Range National Park, indicated that birds return to the same area (and often the same mound) each year with the same mate. They lay 2-4 eggs and both partners share in feeding of the young. Occasionally another young male may help in feeding the young. This behaviour has been reported in Kookaburras, which are also Kingfishers. With the Buff-breasted PKF it is not known if these helpers are genetically related to the mating pair (older offspring) or if unrelated young males who have not managed to attract a mate and choose to help out in the hopes of bonding with one of the female hatchlings and mating in the subsequent year – avian cradle-snatching!
The genus Tanysiptera comes from the greek word tanusipteros meaning long-feathered. Wikipedia indicates the species name is from the latin word for forest (sylvia) although I prefer a more poetic derivation from the same word in ancient greek that refers to a nymph of the forest that served the goddess Artemis.
Paradise kingfishers are found almost exclusively in Papua New Guinea and offshore islands with the exception of two species one from the Moluccas and the other from NE Queensland. All of the nine species are primarily forest dwellers and have long tail streamers. Most are brightly coloured, and all are very territorial. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates on the forest floor.
Last week I stopped near culvert 175 to talk to a couple of birdwatchers who had come up from Townville after one of their mates reported seeing one. They were not successful but they pointed out a quite large and conspicuous termite mount on the uphill site that was excavated, so there is still a good chance to see these wonderful birds if you keep a close lookout on the range road above culvert 165.
I came out into the garden here at Paluma this morning to see the largest dragonfly I’ve ever come across landing on a raised garden bed. Not only is it the biggest I’ve seen but wiki informs me it’s the largest I’m ever likely to see. By the time I got my camera it had moved on but I found this photo on wiki which ticked all the boxes. This beast is Petalura ingentissima aka the Giant Petaltail which wiki says has been described as the largest dragonfly in the world and found only here in the wet tropics of FNQ.
Its wingspan is around 160mm and body length about 125mm. The one I saw was at least this size. The larvae are unusual in that they live in burrows along river margins and hunt passing prey. Wiki asked for an author credit to “Summerdrought”. Only too happy to credit for such a good pic. Back in the carboniferous days dragonflies were VERY big …wingspan up to 75cm and weighing as much as a crow!
Text by Peter Cooke; Photo by “Summerdrought” courtesy of Wikipedia
Pittas are a group of some 40 species distributed around SE Asia (with one species in Africa). They rank amongst the most gorgeous yet elusive inhabitants of tropical rainforest and are deservedly referred to as ‘jewels of the forest’. The banner for this post gives you a sample of the range and richness of their plumage. Their brilliant colours, and secretive nature has made them targets of interest, and occasionally obsession amongst birdwatchers. A prime example of the latter is documented by Chris Goodie, who has published an entire book (The Jewel Hunter) on his efforts and adventures tracking down every species of Pitta in one year. It’s a delightful and informative read.
Our local species of Pitta is the Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor). It is one of 3 species that are resident in Australia. While its plumage is more subdued that some of the species found elsewhere and overseas, its rich colours, with flashes of bright blue when flying make it one of my favourites.
Luckily here in Paluma the Noisy Pitta has become quite accustomed to human activity, and while it does not come to bird feeders I have had Pittas following me around my garden picking up earth worms and other invertebrates exposed by my digging. Glimpses of Pittas flying across the upper rainforested sections of the range road are quite common. A casual day visitor to Paluma is not guaranteed a glimpse of this bird, but its call is usually heard around the village and once learned it is easy to recognize. It’s distinct and regular song is part of its strongly territorial behaviour.
Noisy Pitta recording by Andree Griffin
Like most other Pittas, the Noisy Pitta is monogamous and males share the jobs of nest-building and feeding of chicks. Breeding occurs from October to April. The nest is usually a dome-shaped mound of twigs on or near the ground with an opening on the side accessed by a ramp of twigs often paved with mud or debris. While fairly substantial in size they are almost indistinguishable from the pile of twigs that can often be found in the forest leaning up against a tree or sapling.
Pittas spend most of their time foraging on the forest floor for earthworms, snails and other invertebrates. Their feeding behaviour includes two traits that are, in turn fascinating and endearing. Pittas are among the few groups of birds to use tools (in a rather generic sense). Their fondness for snails, and the difficulty in accessing the animal once it has retracted into its shell has led to Pittas taking shells to a specific rock or hard tree root and then repeatedly smashing the shell against this “anvil” until all of the flesh has been exposed.
Noisy Pitta with large snail shell Image: Sunshine Coast Council from Google
Persistent small piles of shells have been reported next to rock anvils by keen observers in other areas, but I am not sure how common this is around Paluma – I have never seen this, suitable snails may not be that common here, while earthworms are abundant.
Speaking of annelids (the group of invertebrates that includes most worms), one endearing trait of The Noisy Pitta – at least to those of us that spend time tramping along wet forest tracks- is that they are partial to eating a close relative of the earthworm – leeches. Forget about the jewelled plumage, any animal that contributes to the control of leach populations has my undying affection! This dietary interest was discovered here in Paluma and published by one of our famous ex-residents, Cliff Frith who observed a parent with six leeches in its beak returning to feed its nestlings.
While some Pitta species in SE Asia are considered endangered or threatened the status of the Noisy Pitta is of least concern, with a widespread distribution in Qld and occasionally New Guinea. Nevertheless, rainforest clearing and feral cats are key threatening processes which could change its status.
Text and photos (unless specified) by Jamie Oliver
One of the highlights of the Tropical BBQ last Saturday evening (aside from the excellent food and wonderful company) was the announcement of the winners of this year’s Garden Competition. As usual, Bunnings supplied both the prizes as well as the judges (Dee and Ange) for the competition. Despite a gruelling schedule of inspections from early morning to late afternoon, the judges’ enthusiasm for the wonderful variety of floral displays and landscaping never abated. In fact, they insisted on creating a new prize this year so that the 5 acre blocks also had a highly recommended garden (in previous years we only gave a highly commended prize for a village garden). We are very grateful to Bunnings for the ongoing support for this competition.
The winners this year are listed below along with comments from the judges.
Best 5 acre garden: Bobbi Parker
This garden made us feel like we were children on an a hunt through a magical forest and finding a secret cabin, everything was so well thought out. From the fairy gardens to the signage throughout, it truly was a magical experience
Highly Commended 5 acre garden: Don Battersby
We simply could not overlook the amazing abundance of spectacular anthuriums in a single location, we loved chatting to don about his beauties. The passion he has for his plants is very obvious and we look forward to seeing his orchids in bloom.
Best Residential Garden: Michele Bird
This garden immediately makes you want to grab a cuppa, maybe a book and never leave. We could easily have stayed forever, surround by the natural sounds of the rainforest and all its beauty.
Highly Commended Residential Garden: Glenda and Nick Van Rhynswood
What a spectacularly well thought out and maintained garden. The wide variety of plants and colours made for a captivating viewing experience.
Best Commercial Garden: Gumburu
This immaculately kept grounds was such a pleasure to view, it is very apparent that a lot of love and dedication are required to maintain this absolute gem.
Best display or unique plant: Peter and Dorothy Klumpp
Klump: The beautiful bed of multi coloured Anthuriums was a sight to behold, whilst the hints of Greek architecture throughout was so fun and playful. None of us were game to climb the tree-house ladder though
Congratulations to all the winners, and to all of our talented gardeners throughout
the village and blocks who have helped to make Paluma such an amazing and visually spectacular place to live in and visit.
A public meeting is to be held at the Paluma Community Centre at 10am for all ratepayers to discuss the setting of the 2025 fire levy. This will be followed by the PRFB AGM.
