Cape York Weekly FREE – #027 | Monday, March 29, 2021
Editor: Matt Nicholls 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
LOCALS CONFUSED BY TMR STATEMENT
Is PDR open or closed? By MATT NICHOLLS
LOCAL motorists are confused and frustrated about the status of the Peninsula Developmental Road as TMR does its best to deter traffic in the Cape. At 6.30am yesterday (Sunday), there were no impassable creeks or river crossings on the PDR. The Archer River was level with the causeway, the Myall was down and the Laura has been below the bridge for a while now. With school holidays starting on Thursday, families are eager to go camping before the Cape is filled with tourists, while some muchneeded shopping is required in Cairns and Mareeba. Last week, the Department of Traffic and Main Roads (TMR) put out a statement, saying the PDR
was closed between Laura and Weipa due to flooding. However, when Cape York Weekly pointed out that there was no longer any flooding blocking access, we were told it was due to safety measures. “Safety is our number one priority and we restrict access to the PDR during the wet season when required,” a spokesperson said. “The road may need to remain closed until inspectors carry out proper assessments of infrastructure, even after flood waters subside.” Despite this, the TMR website says the PDR is open to local traffic, albeit with a five-tonne limit. Confused? We are. It’s time for TMR to do the right thing and open the PDR this week ahead of the school holidays.
Easter Bunny makes early visit
There was a special guest at the Weipa markets on Saturday as children lined up to meet the Easter Bunny. Zoey and Evie Kalsbeek were among dozens of kids to put in their chocolate requests with the guest star. The Easter markets at Rocky Point were deemed another big success. Pictures – Page 14
INSIDE THIS WEEK: FIVE-PAGE EDUCATION FEATURE DROPPING BEATS NOT BALLS!
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