The State’s peak motoring body said Wednesday’s road train crash south of Cloncurry was a wake up call for the state government to ensure mining materials are carried on rail.
RACQ spokesperson Renee Smith said the road train was hauling copper concentrate on Cloncurry Duchess Road when it crashed into the Malbon River, 56km south of Cloncurry, raising serious safety concerns for not only the driver, but for all motorists in the region.
“This crash highlights the risks to motorists and road infrastructure when mining trucks carry large volumes of mining outputs on our roads – it should be a wake-up call for the State Government,” Ms Smith said.
“Transporting mining materials on roads risks the safety of truck drivers and other motorists, and also impacts road conditions.”
Ms Smith said the incident should trigger a reassessment of government approval for mining companies to haul materials on the Flinders Highway, rather than the rail line for which it was built.
“We’re calling on the Government to stand up to the mining industry and stop these massive trucks damaging our roads,” she said.
“These large mining trucks will rip up the Flinders Highway, leaving all other motorists to suffer and taxpayers to pay for the damage, while the rail line they should be using sits empty.”
Ms Smith said the Queensland Government needed to change the system so mining companies were incentivised or forced to use the rail line where possible.
In the Duchess Road accident the prime mover submerged into floodwaters at Duck Ck causeway, while the trailers remained upright.
The driver evacuated the cabin and was located in a nearby tree.
QFES Mount Isa Station Officer, Scott Castree, said recent rainfall had caused a catchment to overflow sending excess water over the causeway.
“We deployed swift water rescue technicians from Mount Isa Station, Cloncurry Fire Service and Cloncurry SES to rescue the driver. He was very fatigued and was taken to Cloncurry Hospital for further observation.
“The truck has since been removed and the road remains cautionary.”
Department of Main Road and Transport is expected to inspect the causeway to check for any damage caused by the accident.
