HIGHWAY CANE: Smooth run so far as safety a priority in Mossman-Gordonvale haulage plan

CANE HARVEST

David Gardiner

Journalist

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Nearly two weeks into the Mossman cane harvest, the transportation of the cut crop is going smoothly, according to road management authorities. Picture:

So far, so good are the reports coming in about the haulage of cut sugar cane on the Captain Cook Highway from Mossman to Gordonvale.

The single season contract for transportation of the Douglas harvest down the highway started last week as a measure to save most of the region’s sugar crop after the closure of Mossman Mill.

After reading our reports some Newsport readers and social media users had expressed concerns about the safety of the added truck traffic on the Highway, especially between Craiglie and Cairns – and the section of road on that stretch still undergoing cyclone rebuild and repair works.

But the state roads department – TMR – has reassured motorists that it has all safety aspects in place to maintain a smooth run of the cane along the route.

“Safety of all road users is our first priority, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads is working closely with the transport company and industry to ensure the haulage operation is carried out safely with as little disruption to road users as possible,” a TMR spokesperson told us.

“We are not aware of any incidents with trucks hauling cane between Mossman and Gordonvale.”

TMR has deployed Variable Message Signs at strategic locations to advise road users of additional heavy vehicles along the route.

The transport company will use 12 semi-trailers for the haulage contract, expected to run until the end of the harvesting season in December.

They will use the Captain Cook Highway, including the Smithfield Bypass, and then Cairns Western Arterial Road, Mulgrave Road and Bruce Highway to Gordonvale.

Three ‘B-doubles’ will also be in use and will travel on the Captain Cook Highway including the section locally known as Sheridan Street, Mulgrave Road and the Bruce Highway, as well as Yarrabah Road and local government roads including Draper Road and Cairns Road, Gordonvale.

“The increase in heavy vehicles is anticipated to be temporary and will cease at the end of the harvesting season in December 2024,” the spokesperson added.

“There are significant road works underway in the Far North as we continue emergency works to repair damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the associated flooding in December 2023. Drivers should expect minor delays, particularly on the single lane sections on Captain Cook Highway between Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove.”

Council briefing on cane haulage 

Douglas Shire Council is holding a tourism industry briefing next week on the sugar cane season and the truck haulage of cane to Gordonvale:

Date: Thursday 18th July 
Time: 4.00-5.30pm 
Location: Port Douglas Community Hall

There will also be updates and a question and answer session, covering several industry and Mill-related issues:

  • Background on the Mill entering voluntary administration and subsequent liquidation.
  • Transition funding committed by the Queensland Government for the Mossman Region.
  • Funding support for growers to harvest and process this year’s crop.
  • The transportation of sugarcane down the Captain Cook Hwy to the Mulgrave Mill in Cairns and what this looks like for road users.

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