Keep roads clear for Cyclone Debbie responders

People in areas affected by Cyclone Debbie should stay off the roads for as long as possible today to allow emergency services to respond to their jobs as quickly as possible.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said while the temptation might be there to visit friends or family or even drive around out of curiosity, it was best to delay any non-essential travel.

“As much as possible, we’re asking people to stay off the road in Cyclone Debbie affected areas just to keep the roads clear for our hard-working emergency services personnel,” Mr Bailey said.

“We want to give them a clear run to inspect our road networks and minimise any potential delays due to other vehicles on the road.

“If you don’t need to be on the road, please stay at home, even if the worst of the Cyclone Debbie related weather has passed you by.”

Mr Bailey said the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ crews would also be out on the network to check roads and infrastructure for damage as soon as it was safe to do so.

“The QLDTraffic website, app or phone line is the ultimate source for road closure and traffic information from the ground,” he said.

“QLDTraffic has timely, reliable and accurate traffic and travel information which is regularly updated by the department.

“If you live in any area affected by Cyclone Debbie or related severe weather, it is essential you use this service when planning your trip.

“Don’t head out and be caught off-guard by damaged or flooded roads when a simple check of QLDTraffic would have saved you.” 

Mr Bailey said once on the road, motorists should drive to conditions and obey all traffic and road signs.

“Motorists must comply with traffic and road restriction signs which can include ‘no entry’ signs on roads that are closed due to wet weather and flooding,” he said. 

“These signs are only there for your safety.

“Even if it appears flooded has subsided, these closed roads might have sustained damage that you just can’t see.”

To pre-plan your trip with QLDTraffic and avoid delays:

• Phone 13 19 40 for updates on traffic conditions and roadworks
• Visit QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au to see updates on traffic conditions and roadworks
• Download the QLDTraffic app to plan your journey
• Twitter:

• @QLDTrafficMetro (Metropolitan Brisbane)

  @QLDTrafficNCSC (Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast)

  @QLDTrafficDDSW (Darling Downs and South West Queensland)

  @QLDTrafficMWFWB (Mackay, Whitsunday, Fitzroy and Wide Bay Burnett)

  @QLDTrafficCWNW (Central and North West Queensland)

  @QLDTrafficFNNQ (Far North and North Queensland) 

ENDS

Media contact: Zoe Russell – 0428 079 640