Quaid's Road crew come together after 40 years
Quaid's Road Reunion
The workers who built Quaid’s Road have come together after nearly 40 years to catch up at the Mount Molloy pub.
The crew, from site foremen, engineers, surveyors, machine operators, truck drivers and labourers, got together last Saturday, February 28, to share stories and fond memories.
The construction of the road provided employment for a large number of locals for many years.
Contrary to popular belief, the road was not illegal, having been given approval by the State Government in the early 1980s.
It was intended to provide all-weather access from a residential subdivision at Lake Mitchell to Wangetti, a distance of 32km. The road was constructed using private funds and local contractors to the requisite standard at the time.
Before the road was completed, the Federal Government used the World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983 to prevent the road from being opened.
Notwithstanding, the owners completed the road in 1989 however, it has never been open to the public.
The road has been maintained by the owners, even though the road has not been officially open to the public, many have enjoyed its vistas and diverse landscapes.
Member for Cook David Kempton hosted the gathering.
“It is important that we do not lose sight of the endeavours of the people who put so much blood, sweat and tears into this iconic and significant piece of infrastructure,’’ he said.
”Testimony to the legacy of this road is the fact that it has stood the test of time and was the only link to the Tablelands following the devastation caused by Cyclone Jasper on all the roads in and out of Cairns and Port Douglas, and consideration should be given to its future utilisation for the benefit of the community.’’
