TMR Updates on the Range Road

Please be advised that the Department of Transport & Main Roads (TMR) will be providing regular updates on the status of the Range Road via email.

To register for the updates please do one of the following:-

  1. Send an email with your name and email address to the following:- engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au

IMPORTANT: In your email, please mention that you want information about Paluma and the Range Road. 

Even if you are already registered with TMR on this email address, you MUST RE-REGISTER NOW. This is because TMR are setting up a new and specific email list and dedicated service for Paluma residents regarding the Range Road.

2. As advised by Len Cook today, you can also register by phoning:-

1800 625 648

I have registered to receive information and will also post notices as and when received to this website.

Stay safe everyone!

Michele Bird, Secretary, PDCA



Paluma In The Rain……..

Update Bulletin for Wednesday 6 February 2019

Well, it continues to pour rain here with little prospect of relief until the weekend at soonest, but after seeing the news footage of the catastrophic flooding in Townsville and some surrounding districts,  we realise how very lightly Paluma has been affected by this extreme weather event. So far at least, there are no reports here of serious damage to property. Our hearts go out to those whose homes have been flooded and who have lost irreplaceable personal items. 

In houses and in the community hall, pools of water lie on some floors, due to leaks in the roof, or ground-water seepage.  Where possible, tarpaulins have been used to cover leaky roofs.  These inconveniences occur to a greater or lesser degree every wet season; it is just lasting longer this time.  A tree fell and smashed the gate at Gumburu and several small trees have fallen in and around the village.  The ground is water-logged and rivulets and streams course over the road and down the slopes to join up with Benham’s Creek. Some driveways and sections of the road have been gouged out by the force of water.  The official Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website rainfall readings advise that 2521 mm of rain has fallen since Australia Day (26 January). Len Cook has kindly provided the BOM rainfall figures at the end of this bulletin (below).

Birds are starving and those of us who are feeding them have what seems like an open aviary from dawn to dark with literally scores of birds on the back decks and verandas, seeking food and shelter.  Coming to my table are White-cheeked Honey-eaters, Macleay’s and Lewin’s Honey-eaters, Lorikeets, Satin Bower-birds, Cat-birds and Rifle-birds. Hunger overcomes their fear and the birds cling to my arms and shoulders as I fill the feeder trays. Unusually too, there is no fighting for supremacy at the feeder: all species are happy to share.

A few days ago the worst crisis was for the several smokers who had run out of cigarettes and/or tobacco.  Suggestions that this was a good opportunity to give up smoking, or to roll tea leaves were greeted with disdain.  Someone managed to procure tobacco so the situation was saved, temporarily.  

Yesterday, some people from the Running River area, armed with shopping lists, ventured to Ingham via the Mt Fox Road.  Their return was prevented by a land-slip on the Mt Fox Road. 

I am very grateful to the number of absent Paluma residents who have rung, generously offering the contents of their pantries to those of us here, should our food supplies run out.  We thank you all so much for your concern and generosity but hope, of course, that things will not drag on to that extent.

As has already been reported, engineers are trying to decide on the best way to remove a huge rock blocking the road about 1.5 km from the village. Two more giant rocks are poised on the up-slope ready to fall and as fast as one slip is cleared, another occurs elsewhere.  Conditions are terribly dangerous for those attempting to clear the road, but they are trying to keep a narrow way open for use of emergency vehicles only.  Otherwise the road remains closed.

So, we are here for the time being: keeping our sanity by taking long walks in the pouring rain, and getting together for coffee and gossip.  Neil Appleton’s birthday offered an excellent opportunity for a very happy such gathering.  

Update Bulletin by Colwyn Campbell

BOM Rainfall Figures for Paluma (Courtesy of Len Cook)

Saturday 26 January 2019…………………..93 mm

Sunday 27 January 2019……………………160 mm

Monday 28 January 2019………………….230 mm

Tuesday 29 January 2019………………….370 mm

Wednesday 30 January 2019…………….143 mm

Thursday 31 January 2019………………. 222 mm

Friday 1 February 2019…………………….261 mm

Saturday 2 February 2019……………….303 mm

Sunday 3 February 2019………………….175 mm

Monday 4 February 2019………………..384 mm

Tuesday 5 February 2019………………..180 mm

Total……………………………………………….2521 mm

          

Update From Paluma

The village of Paluma remains isolated with the Range Road still closed following the unprecedented rainfall . Locals report today that there are numerous landslides and trees blocking the Range Road and it appears it may be some time before the road will open. Paluma continues to receive astounding rainfall totals.

Don Battersby has been recording rainfall at his place on Hussey Road and has logged the following readings:-

Rainfall overnight (4-5 February 2019) was 344 mm.

Rainfall between 1 to 5 February 2019 is 1294 mm.

Rainfall total for January 2019 is 1206 mm.

Jennie Robinson from the Rainforest Inn reports that there are currently about 23 people in the village and surrounds. Everyone seems to be doing well. The community spirit is certainly alive and well. Yesterday (4 February) was Neil Appleton’s birthday and everyone gathered together at ‘Cloud Cottage’ to celebrate with afternoon tea. Happy Birthday Neil!

Photo courtesy of Jennie Robinson

Paluma Range Road Closed

A landslide and fallen trees near the top of the Range Road has closed the Paluma Range Road to all traffic. Transport and Main Roads will be working to clear the obstruction today (January 31).

LATEST UPDATE: TMR worked on the road on Thursday but were not able to finish the job. They will continue work on Friday morning, so the road will remain closed for at least part of Friday.

For further updates on the status of the road, visit the TMR website at https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/

Vale John Tubman

It is with great sadness that the PDCA Executive Committee posts the following notice as received from James Jackson today (21 January 2019).

RE: The Passing of John Tubman

 As most would know, John has been fighting an aggressive form of cancer for over two years. He was admitted to TGH early last week (14th) with complications arising from the condition and despite intense treatment and care failed to recover.

John passed away about 11.00 am on Friday 18th with family by his side. It will take quite some time for Junita and John’s siblings and family to reach acceptance of his passing, but all have been buoyed by, and are very grateful for the kind words, thoughts and condolences offered from many of John’s friends and colleagues.

A service for John will be held at Morley’s Funeral Home commencing at 1.00pm this Friday January 25th.  Notice to appear in Townsville Bulletin on Wednesday 23rd.

On behalf of Junita and John’s Family, I would like to convey their appreciation for your kind messages and thoughts of sympathy.

James Jackson

Seasons Greetings

Seasons Greetings

The Paluma & District Community Association (PDCA) Executive Committee would like to wish all Members and Paluma residents (past and present) a very happy, safe and enjoyable festive season.

We look forward to working with you in 2019 for the benefit of our special village in the mist at Paluma.

Warm Regards  from Jamie Oliver, Wilfred Karnoll, Colwyn Campbell, Lynn Hyland, Michele Bird and Juanita Poletto.