Transport systems at a standstill as Queensland is declared a disaster area
Australian ports, railways and roads are closed across large swathes of Queensland as the worst floods for 50 years continue to cause transport chaos.
Around 75% of Queensland – an area larger than France and Germany combined – has been declared a disaster zone after a month of extreme rainfall. Heavy rain is now also affecting New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia.
One shipping source told IFW that transport across most of Queensland was at a standstill.
“Trucks for Darwin ex-Queensland are moving round the bottom of Australia and coming north via Adelaide, but with the north of NSW also likely to be flooded I’m not sure how much longer that will continue.
“Queensland provides a large bulk of Australia’s fresh fruit and vegetables so prices will rise and product will disappear off the shelves.”
The port of Brisbane, Australia’s third largest container hub, closed its maritime operations last night, as the city began to see rising floodwater.
“Maritime Safety Queensland has advised that the port will remain closed to maritime traffic today and all ships have been removed from the port,” said a statement from the port.
“There are severe currents in the river and huge amounts of debris, boats and pontoons floating downstream.”
With floodwater expected to rise still further today and tomorrow, electricity supplies are expected to be affected and the port is likely to remain closed for maritime operations until at least Friday.
Llew Russell, CEO of Shipping Australia, said some container traffic would be diverted to Sydney and Melbourne.
Brisbane Airport, located on higher ground, was open this morning, but cargo shipments are subject to delays.
Rail operator Asciano said large parts of its industrial network in Queensland were closed and restrictions were also in place in NSW. Queensland’s North Coast Line was also closed between Brisbane and Cairns.
More than 20 lives have been lost in Australia since the onset of heavy rain at the end of November and dozens are missing following Monday’s flash flood – described by police as an “inland tsunami” – which hit the town of Toowoomba, located 127km west of Brisbane.
Brisbane River has broken its banks and is expected to peak tomorrow, prompting what many predict will be the city’s worst flood since 1893.
One analyst said the impact of the heavy rain may eventually cost the economy almost US$7bn in lost growth.