Record Kimberley flooding damages WA’s main northern highway

There are fears of yet another supply chain crunch in Western Australia after record-high floodwaters significantly damaged the Fitzroy River Crossing bridge.

Heavy rain as a result of ex-tropical cyclone Ellie has dumped huge amounts of water on the Kimberley region and flooded the Fitzroy River at record levels.

On Monday, Fitzroy Crossing received 120 millimetres of rain in 24 hours, and has seen 257 millimetres in the first three days of the year. Its long-term January average is 185 millimetres for the whole month.

The water level measured a record 14.9 metres at the bridge, 1½ kilometres south-east of the Fitzroy Crossing townsite.

The middle of the bridge appears to be partially collapsed, and it has been closed to traffic.

Main Roads’ preliminary examination of the bridge suggested some piers may have been damaged, but it would not be able to conduct a more detailed assessment until floodwaters receded.

About 480 kilometres of the Great Northern Highway is closed between Halls Creek and Willare, south of Derby.

Great Northern Highway is the only sealed road connecting WA and the Northern Territory and is vital for the supply of essentials and fuel to surrounding communities.

Shire of Derby/West Kimberley president Geoff Haerewa was concerned at the prospect of a long-term closure of the bridge.

“The consequences of not having that bridge would be devastating for the towns and communities north of Fitzroy Crossing,” he said.

Haerewa said there was little that authorities could do until the floodwaters receded.

A Main Roads WA spokesman said further sections of the Great Northern Highway were likely to be impacted as well as the weather system heads slowly west toward Broome.

“Main Roads is liaising with other agencies and remains prepared to assist if any joint emergency response is required,” he said.

“Main Roads is monitoring impacts on flood-affected sections of GNH and has maintenance crews on standby to quickly repair any damage once the waters recede.”

The spokesman said other road closures in the region include the Gibb River Road from the Meda Turn-off in the West Kimberley to Great Northern Highway in the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley and major local roads, the Tanami and Duncan Roads.

Main Roads has warned travellers to avoid journeying to the Kimberley unless it is essential.

Flooding across Australia caused havoc with WA’s supply chains and postal services last year.

Parcels sent with Australia post are experiencing delays after heavy flooding closed the Sydney to Perth rail line late last month.

In November, the derailment of the Melbourne to Adelaide rail line also had ramifications for parcels heading to WA.

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