Ravenshoe cut off as bridge goes under

RAVENSHOE residents were surprised to see the town’s main bridge go under water for the first time in many years.

About noon yesterday, residents either side of the small Tablelands town were cut off when water inundated the Millstream Bridge after heavy rains across the region.

Resident Sharon Markham said, despite the inconvenience, many people in the area would be grateful for the rain.

“People in the town are fine, but we haven’t seen it like that in a long time,” she said.

“Last time I can remember the main bridge went under, was possibly (during) Cyclone Larry.”

Ms Markham, who owns a property 9km from Ravenshoe, said she had been planning to visit the post office when she discovered access to the town, which has a population of about 1400, had been cut off. Despite the hassle, she said the flooding would be beneficial in the long run, particularly for property owners in the area.

“We have horses out on our property, they’ll be able to get a decent feed on some green grass,” she said. “We’ve had good rain in the last three weeks ... haven’t had that for a while.”

Floodwater also covered the North Cedar Creek Bridge yesterday, isolating Ravenshoe.

A boil-water alert is in place for residents in the area.

Tablelands Mayor Joe Paronella warned people not to attempt to look for alternative ways into the town while the roads were closed. “If it’s flooded, forget it,” he said.