Authorities believe flood-hit towns north of Cairns have lost access to running water, sparking a late-night emergency alert.
Just after 10.30pm (11.30pm AEDT) yesterday, firefighters shared an emergency alert warning residents in Port Douglas, Mossman, Newell Beach, and Cooya Beach to conserve water for all but essential uses.
Less than an hour later, Douglas Shire Council told the whole area, which is about 60 kilometres north of Cairns and one of the hardest hit by Cyclone Jasper and its drenching aftermath, that it was about to lose water supply altogether.
“Douglas Shire Council urges all residents, businesses, and visitors to refrain from water use immediately,” it said.
“Customers are estimated to experience complete water loss starting midnight tonight.”
The council said landslides upstream of Rex Creek had caused blockages to the Mossman Water Treatment Plant, which had failed to work continuously over the past day.
Two pumps brought in from Cairns as a stopgap were also suffering issues.
“Despite a mammoth effort to try and get the water treatment plant up and running, we haven’t been successful,” acting chief executive Scott Mason said, promising crews were working “around the clock” for a fix.
The council promised an update this morning.
Queenslanders rescued from flash flooding off the back of Cyclone Jasper
A string of towns across the remote area north of Port Douglas were left cut off completely for days and the main road from the south into the holiday hotspot itself was badly damaged.
Locals, who must now take a lengthy detour through the Tablelands to reach Cairns, were warned to expect extensive delays.
