A partial return of the rail network in Queensland has been announced, with rail services set to resume in stages from today, as severe flooding continues to impact the region.
This follows extensive repairs to the network. Services will operate on a reduced timetable on lines such as the Airport line, The Beenleigh and Ferny Grove lines and the North Coast line.
Travel on all toll roads in Queensland is now free to assist clean-up efforts across the State.
The toll suspension came into effect 8am yesterday, and will run until midnight Sunday, 6 March 2022.
Free public transport is also being provided for flood-affected communities, with South East Queenslanders being encouraged to use the transport services to assist with recovery efforts.
TransLink and qconnect services across all impacted Local Government areas will be free until last service Sunday. This will cover services from Coolangatta, to the Fraser Coast and across to Toowoomba.
More than 30 suburbs across South East Queensland have received more than 1000mm of rainfall in the past seven days. The flooding has already claimed ten lives.
As the floodwaters go down, QLD Transport and Main Roads will inspect bridges and culverts to ensure roads can be opened as quickly and safely as possible.
Flooding has also caused major transport disruptions along the East Coast of New South Wales.
Northern NSW has seen the Pacific Highway closed between Ballina to South of Grafton, with only heavy vehicles servicing the areas north of Ballina including in and around Lismore and Byron Bay being given access.
However, the highway is opened from the Queensland border to Ballina. The Gwydir Highway also remains open from Grafton to Glen Innes.
In the south, the Princes Highway has been affected between Gerringong and Kiama. The Illawarra Highway is also closed at Macquarie Pass.
Flooding also has placed greater pressure on the Warragamba dam, with spills now reaching 600 gigalitres. Tragically, five people have lost their lives in NSW.
Transport for NSW crews are working closely with local councils to ensure road freight is able to keep moving as safely and efficiently as possible during the weather event. Drivers are still being asked to avoid non-essential travel on select roads throughout the state.
To stay up-to-date with the latest Bureau of Meteorology warnings, including flood warnings and river levels click here. For storm-related assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app. In a life-threatening situation, always call triple zero (000).
To view real time traffic information in New South Wales, click here.
Related stories:
- QLD floods: Planning underway for clean-up and infrastructure repairs
- New transport updates for flood-affected Queensland
- Queenslanders asked to avoid unnecessary travel as flooding continues