Mossman navigates post-cyclone recovery amid road closure, power outages and phone reception issues

POST-CYCLONE

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Authorities shut down road from Foxton Bridge as water levels surge by half a meter. Picture: Newsport
The road closure was prompted by a close call with the last truck teetering on the verge of skidding. Picture: Newsport

After Cyclone Jasper, Mossman is slowly recovering, but challenges persist. The closure of the road from Foxton Bridge, attributed to rising water levels, coupled with phone reception and power disruptions near Mossman Gorge, has prompted intervention by local authorities.

At approximately 10.00am today, local authorities took action to close the road from Foxton Bridge, leading to Miallo. 

Newsport was told by an official on site that the water level has risen by approximately half a metre over the bridge and that the decision to close the road was prompted by the narrow escape of the last truck that navigated the road, teetering on the verge of skidding. 

In the vicinity of Mossman Gorge, the Indigenous community is grappling with a power outage due to a fallen tree that has broken the power line. Picture: Newsport

Some businesses in town have resumed operations, including the Mossman hardware store. According to an employee interviewed by Newsport, there's been a surge in customers purchasing generators.

The regional manager, who arrived from Cairns to help out at the store, provided additional information, stating that the highway from Cairns to Port Douglas is in good driving condition.

Near Mossman Gorge, the Indigenous community faces a power outage caused by a fallen tree that has snapped off the power line. A committed team of workers is currently on-site, working diligently to restore the power line. However, the restoration process is anticipated to be time-consuming.

Speaking to Newsport, one of the workers explained that fixing the power line is a complex task. Even after the repairs are completed, there remains the necessity to conduct thorough checks on all houses in the affected area.

While the power in Mossman’s main street has been successfully restored, the telecommunications infrastructure in the area has taken a hit, leaving many locals without phone reception. 

This precautionary measure is essential to identify and rectify any loose electricity lines, as reactivating power without due diligence could pose serious safety risks.

Mossman Hardware staff, including Rosina Santarossa, Vicky Winkles, and regional manager Dave Bradbery, are committed to keeping the store open for those in need of generators and various post-cyclone supplies. Picture: Newsport

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