By STEVE GRAY
BUSINESSES on the Southern Downs were scathing in their criticism after the latest extended closure of Cunningham’s Gap.
A 300-tonne boulder careened down the cliff face on Tuesday, 3 December, as Department of Transport workers were removing dangerous overhanging rocks, punching a huge hole in the Cunningham Highway near Gap Creek Bridge.
The highway wasn’t reopened until Saturday morning, 7 December, further frustrating business people who have lived with shorter delays since ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald swept over the region in January.
Coach operator Russell Crisp said he was reluctant to criticise the department because they were generally co-operative, but the disruptions were costing the company a great deal of money.
Taking the winding Heifer Creek route still under repair to Brisbane takes an hour longer, Mr Crisp said.
This delay then passes through the company’s whole schedule, disrupting services to Goondiwindi and Moree.
The delays also upset passengers, some of whom are trying to get to medical appointments or to airports. They then take their frustration out on staff, he said.
“You can’t believe the amount of flack our drivers are getting,” Mr Crisp said. “It’s no fun for our drivers.”
Travelling via Heifer Creek also has increased the damage to buses from stone chips and the like, he said.
Another impact was the extended time on the road for local school students, many of whom visit theme parks as part of end-of-year activities.
To reach Gold Coast theme parks and return takes an extra 180kms but Crisps Coaches receives no recompense for the extra fuel, wages and other costs.
The company also cannot service Aratula, Warrill View or Amberley because the Gap was closed.
“Every day it’s costing us,” Mr Crisp said.
Lost goodwill alone ran into thousands of dollars while vehicle costs had risen by $2500 a week, he said.
When publican at the Crown Hotel in Maryvale, Denis Reynolds, was asked what effect the highway closure was having on business, he said: “What business? It’s killed it.”
He put his losses at $500 to $1000 a day.
Mr Reynolds said two or three locals were eating lunch at the hotel, compared with 20 customers when traffic is flowing.
“People were booked in overnight, and they’re not coming,” he said.
It’s been the same for Bestbrook Mountain Resort Farmstay.
Owner Ray Vincent said entire busloads of visitors had cancelled.
“We’ve brought tucker in for them, we’ve got tables set, they didn’t turn up,” he said.
“Coming just before Christmas, we need every penny we can get.
“It’s just wrong what they’re doing to us here.
“I’ve never seen it so bad in the 10 years I’ve been here.”
A spokesman for Lindsay Brothers Transport said “there is no significant change to our business”, while Wickhams Transport declined to comment.
Cafe owners were also critical as highway traffic fell away.
A Department of Transport spokeswoman said stakeholders, including businesses, were alerted to the necessary works in early to mid-November.
“At this time, stakeholders were informed full closures were likely,” she said.
“Since then, we have continued to engage with businesses and have endeavoured to keep them informed of the project’s progress and changes to traffic conditions.”
She said the works were important safety measures to remove any material that may have been destabilised ahead of the wet season.
The geological conditions on the Gap are particularly challenging.
“This is a complex task and one that needs to be done under close supervision and lane closures to ensure the safety of workers and motorists,” the spokesperson said.
“We understand the importance of the Cunningham Highway and that’s why we’re doing this work as quickly and as safely as possible,” the spokeswoman said.
Motorists are encouraged to call 13 19 40 or visit 131940.qld.gov.au for up-to-date information on any closures. Further delays until Friday, and again next week, can be expected as work continues.
To receive SMS alerts about Cunningham’s Gap works, go to www.cunninghamhighwaysms.com.au/ and register.
