YOU SAID IT! Douglas is driven to keep Quaid’s open

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Janine Ann

Should be open and Black Mountain Road maintained as an alternative.

Peter Marsh

It needs to be officially opened and maintained by the main roads dept. 

JB Blockey

Time to bury the hatchet and put the asset to proper use. Should be repaired and opened as a gazetted road as an alternative to the Rex and Kuranda Ranges, which are prone to accidents, regular flooding (eg Bushy), and trees down. PS: drove it down and up a couple of months after Jasper, and surprisingly it had suffered minimal damage - certainly still driveable, which is more than could be said for the Cook Hwy and Kuranda Ranges!

Ryan Keune

Definitely needs to be open only road to get access through to cairns in case of closed range from accidents or natural disasters, etc, can’t always get through the long way around so Quaids is the only other way.

Stephen Fuller

Open it. It is a good drive and much better range crossing.

Anita Peica

That road was the only way anyone got out of Wangetti to Turtle Cove in the 10 days after Jasper. It needs to be fixed but it is a great way to get to the Tablelands when Kuranda Road has accidents and slides.

Debbie Gostelow

The road is there and after the last few years we need back up range crossings obviously. Update and open it.

Ken Rob

We have to think of tourists from afar who have to catch flights as well as locals and local businesses. Without doubt, its only common sense it should be opened as a back up to the only main road to Cairns and Cairns Airport. Fix it up as an emergency back up road.

Andrew Rowen

Bring it up to scratch and open it. Coast road to Port Douglas often blocked by accidents or mother nature and an alternative route would be handy.

Norman Walker

This road was never open to the public. It's not constructured to main-road standards. But don't close it. It's always been there for emergency use.

Suzie Baynton

There are two sides... a human need... and what about the wildlife are there funnels bridges as the road goes through significant habitat... 80km proposed speed do you really think people will abide by that.

Peach Pankhurst

I’ve been caught on the Mt Molloy end of Bushy Creek flooded (which it does constantly in the wet) and Quaids is the only alt to having to go all the way back to Kuranda and then via the coast to get to Julatten. It’s been a lifesaver. It connected Black Mountain Road to a way out and only way out during Jasper. It’s not in good nick but everyone knows you won’t be able to claim insurance if you break down on it and yet it’s such a vital road they use it anyway. It crosses through multiple ecosystems and forestry but can attract undesirables like the guys who shot 4 horses dead and left them in the middle of the road a few months ago. If it was actually gazetted and officially opened I think it would be less of an illegal activity hub.

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Naomi Arthurson

This article came as a complete surprise, and I’m truly overwhelmed by the kind words and recognition of my work. I have always had a dream to create lifelong memories and opportunities for our younger generation, and a goal to give back to the community service and experiences that shaped my own childhood. However, none of this happens alone. I want to acknowledge the incredible people who have supported me along the way - my family, friends, and work colleagues. Your encouragement, support, and belief in me have helped make these successes possible. Thank you - I am incredibly grateful.

Susan Davenport

She taught both my kids to swim as toddlers now in their twenties.

Keldra Wray

Naomi is amazing and a true asset to this shire! You’re THE BEST Naomi! Keep being awesome!

Sophie Carbis

This lady is incredible!

Katrina Trice

I think you must have had an amazing trainer to help you get to where you are.