CAPTAIN COOK HIGHWAY:
CYCLONE JASPER CLEAN-UP EFFORT
Project Overview
In the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper, Marino Plant Hire was engaged by Roadtek to lead the massive clean-up effort required to restore the Captain Cook Highway. The tropical low associated with the Category 2 storm resulted in over two meters of rainfall, causing significant mud, rock, and tree debris to spill from the Macalister Range onto the highway.
Key Project Features
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Landslip and Coastal Undermining Clearance: Our team cleared more than 120 landslips and areas of coastal undermining, ensuring safe and stable road conditions.
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Debris Removal: Approximately 30,000 tonnes of mud and debris were removed from the road, restoring it to a functional state.
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Swift Completion: The entire process was impressively completed in just four weeks.
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Reopening of Highway: The Captain Cook Highway between Buchan Point and Oak Beach reopened earlier than expected on 20 January 2024, just five weeks after the major landslips blocked access.
Marino Plant Hire's Role
Marino Plant Hire mobilised its fleet of excavators and trucks to tackle the challenging clean-up operations. Our dedicated crew worked tirelessly, often over the Christmas and New Year period, to ensure the highway was reopened as quickly as possible. Key activities included:
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Clearing mud, rocks, and tree vegetation from the highway
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Stabilising landslip areas and addressing coastal undermining
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Coordinating the removal and disposal of debris
Project Impact
The prompt and efficient clean-up effort not only restored vital access along the Captain Cook Highway but also ensured the safety and convenience of the local communities. The highway's early reopening facilitated the resumption of essential travel and transportation, significantly benefiting the region's recovery efforts.
Acknowledgments
Letter of Appreciation and Acknowledgment - TC Jasper Disaster Response
I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation to you and your entire team for the invaluable assistance provided to RoadTek Maintenance during the recent disaster response efforts of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge and commend the tireless dedication and hard work exhibited by each member of your team. Your collective efforts have been instrumental in ensuring the accessibility of our road network during these challenging times. The commitment displayed by your team members has undoubtedly made a significant difference in facilitating the smooth transportation of essential goods and services to the affected areas and beyond.
Thanks to our combined efforts, I am thrilled to report that we have successfully reopened two major arterials to the tablelands. This achievement would not have been possible without the exceptional collaboration between our teams. Your professionalism, expertise, and swift response played a crucial role in this monumental task, and I am truly grateful for this.
However, our work is far from over. There is still a considerable amount of work to be done as we endeavour to restore the infrastructure to its former state. I am confident that together, we will overcome the challenges that lie ahead and continue to provide our stakeholders with a reliable road network.
I would also like to highlight the exceptional commitment demonstrated by going above and beyond, sacrificing countless hours in unfavourable conditions to provide us with invaluable assistance. Your dedication and unwavering support were instrumental in our successful efforts, and it truly speaks volumes about your commitment to work.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to you and every member of your team for their unwavering commitment and dedication. Our ongoing collaboration is essential as we navigate this journey together.
George Barnett - Project Coordinator
Project Coverage
Marino Plant Hire is proud to have been a part of this critical project, showcasing our commitment to rapid response, community support, and exceptional service in times of need.
