Motorists urged to take extra care in wet weather
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Motorists are being urged to be vigilant and take extra care on the road with the wet weather expected to continue for several days and some areas experiencing localised flooding.
Cr Terry James, chair of the Cairns Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), said there had been minor flooding across Cairns, with Lower Freshwater Road, Peets Bridge (Goldsborough) and Clyde Road (Babinda) all closed.
“We have water lapping the Kamerunga Road at Ryan Weare Park and it is likely that we will need to close this road with Freshwater Creek expected to rise,” Cr James said.
“As often happens when we have substantial rainfall, Glenoma Park and Ryan Weare Park also closed this morning due to flood waters.”
Cycle path bridges at Glenoma Park and Goomboora Park are also closed.
Cr James said roads can become slippery with the rain and conditions may cause minor landslips and changes to road surfaces such as potholes developing.
“Motorists can assist by driving carefully and slowly. This is not only for the safety of road users and pedestrians, but it also lessens the impact of bow waves, which can push water into adjacent properties.
“We also urge residents to advise Council, via the My Cairns app or the customer service centre, of any issues with roads or drains.
“As always please do not drive through flooded roads – if it’s flooded forget it.”
Cr James also reminded parents to keep their children away from stormwater drains.
“Fast flowing water can be dangerous, and the quality of water can deteriorate during heavy rainfall,” he said.
“As we have seen over the past 24 hours, the wet season can bring downpours leading to significant amounts of fast-flowing water rushing into our water systems.
“Residents, especially children, playing in or near flood waters, can be quickly swept away, be injured by debris or drown if they become trapped.”
Cr James said that Council was monitoring Copperlode Dam, which has continued to steadily rise and at 7.30am today was about 73cm above the spillway.