Two-way traffic returns to Kuranda Range Road as major recovery milestone reached

• The largest cyclone-damaged landslip on Kuranda Range Road has now been repaired, with two-way traffic set to return tomorrow.
• The three-storey-high landslip near Henry Ross Lookout was the most significant failure caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
• Restoring this section of road returns a critical connection for Far North Queensland communities, businesses, freight operators and visitors.
• Recovery efforts are continuing, with all remaining cyclone-damaged Jasper sites on track for completion by the end of this year.
• These works form part of the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments' commitment to rebuilding stronger, more resilient infrastructure and helping Queenslanders get home sooner and safer. 

For the first time since Tropical Cyclone Jasper tore through Far North Queensland in December 2023, motorists will be able to travel in both directions through the section of Kuranda Range Road near Henry Ross Lookout. 

Funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the completion of reconstruction works marks a major milestone in restoring one of Far North Queensland's most important transport connections, with the largest cyclone-damaged landslip now repaired and the road returning to its pre-cyclone function tomorrow. 

The three-storey-high downslope landslip was the largest and most complex damage site on the corridor, requiring extensive reconstruction works to stabilise the slope, rebuild the roadway and reinstate the damaged lane. 

Rebuilding the site required extensive geotechnical treatments, including more than 20 truckloads of rockfill, 15 truckloads of shotcrete, almost 1.5km of soil nails and enough geomat to cover around one-and-a-half tennis courts. 

The milestone forms part of the broader recovery effort underway across Kuranda Range Road, with remaining cyclone-damaged sites continuing to be repaired as the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments restore and strengthen the corridor for the future. 

All remaining Tropical Cyclone Jasper sites are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, weather permitting. 

Repairs will continue until mid-2027 on a further two sites damaged by heavy rainfall during the North and Far North Tropical Low in February 2025.  

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said restoring critical transport links was essential for regional communities recovering from natural disasters. 

"The Kuranda Range Road is a vital connection for Far North Queensland communities, tourists and businesses, which is why restoring it has been such an important priority,” Minister McBain said.  

"This milestone shows what can be achieved when governments work together to rebuild stronger, safer and more resilient infrastructure following natural disasters." 

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer, with the completion of the largest landslip repair a major step forward in restoring one of Far North Queensland's most important roads. 

"This is a major milestone in getting Far North Queensland moving again and restoring Kuranda Range Road to the way it operated before Cyclone Jasper struck," Minister Mickelberg said. 

"We said we'd deliver the infrastructure Far North Queensland needed to recover and reconnect communities, and that's exactly what we're doing. 

"Kuranda Range Road is a lifeline for the region, and restoring this section means safer, more reliable journeys for the thousands of people who rely on it every day. 

"The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of investing in regional Queensland, delivering the infrastructure communities need and helping Queenslanders get home sooner and safer. 

"With the five remaining cyclone-damaged Jasper sites on track to be completed this year, we're not just restoring this corridor, we're strengthening it and improving its long-term resilience for the future." 

Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the milestone highlighted the importance of continued investment in regional infrastructure. 

"In December, it will be three years since we witnessed the devastating impacts of Cyclone Jasper, and we all know how frustrating it has been travelling up and down the range,” Mr Smith said.  

“Tourism and agriculture industries have suffered significant disruption whilst the traffic flow has been slowed to one lane and traffic light tailbacks. 

“The Kuranda Range Road is one of the most important transport connections in Far North Queensland and this work has been critical to ensuring communities remain connected. 

“As we build back better, we continue to work with the Queensland Government, to keep Far Northerners safe. 

“It’s a fantastic milestone and when the complete it will be great to see Kuranda re-energised and for Tablelands producers to be able to use the road unencumbered." 

Queensland Member for Barron River Bree James said the return of two-way traffic would deliver immediate benefits for communities across Far North Queensland. 

"For local residents, businesses and visitors, this milestone means more reliable journeys, better connectivity and easier access throughout the region," Ms James said. 

"This investment is helping strengthen one of Far North Queensland's most important transport corridors, ensuring people can stay connected and get where they need to go safely and more efficiently.

“The opening of this corridor and easier access to the lookout in time for the start of school holidays will come as welcome news for locals and tourists.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

Minister McBain: Andrew Benson, 0436 289 839 

Minister Mickelberg: Mardi Norton, 0467 746 523