When the bridge into town gets swallowed by raging floodwaters, sometimes the most reliable way in and out is through the skies. North Queensland’s Macrossan Bridge is the gateway to the outback on the Flinders Highway, the main road link from the coast to Charters Towers. But days of torrential rain have seen it engulfed by the swollen Burdekin River, bringing traffic to a standstill.
Charters Towers publican Mark McPherson was returning from Townsville with a load of alcohol when he discovered the bridge had gone under. He used the services of a local helicopter company to fly four kegs, boxes of spirits, and cartons of cans and stubbies across the water. Helicopters have become a familiar sight in the sky above the Macrossan Bridge. Local pilots have been offering $80 flights to bring people and supplies across the floodwaters.
“Everything from medical supplies, food, water, personnel, and an 18th birthday cake,” pilot Jordan Freeman said. Emergency service personnel and healthcare workers have been the priority, but plenty of locals have taken up the offer too. With an overseas holiday on the line and no other options to get out of Charters Towers, Angela Nicholson and her family were choppered across the river.
Wendy Fielder and her chihuahua Smidgy became trapped in Charters Towers after a trip to Torrens Creek in northwest Queensland. The bridge’s closure has caused chaos for truckies. Steve Bone has spent two days in a queue of dozens of prime movers near the river’s edge. A gift arrived in the shape of a portaloo on Saturday afternoon. Charters Towers Mayor Liz Schmidt said when the river receded, the Macrossan Bridge would need to be assessed before it’s deemed safe for use.
“I didn’t want them writing a song about me, like A Pub With No Beer, so I had to do it,” Mr. McPherson said. “People are calling me a hero. It’s enough to last us a week. If it’s still raining in a week, I’ll have to do the whole thing again.” Helicopters have been instrumental in bridging the gap caused by the flooded Burdekin River, shuttling essential supplies and even an 18th birthday cake across the waters.
Local pilots, like Jordan Freeman, have been offering flights at minimal costs to aid the community during this challenging time. Emergency service personnel, healthcare workers, and stranded locals have all relied on these aerial services to navigate the flooded terrain. For some, like Angela Nicholson and her family, the helicopter was their only option to catch a flight for an overseas holiday amid the chaos.
Wendy Fielder’s harrowing experience of being trapped with her pet chihuahua, Smidgy, in Charters Towers showcases the impact of the flood on residents. Truck drivers like Steve Bone have faced immense challenges, with the closure of the bridge disrupting their deliveries. As the community bands together to overcome the obstacles posed by the flood, the spirit of resilience and support shines through.
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