The closure of the Great Central Road, which stretches over 1,100 kilometers from Laverton in Western Australia to Yulara near Uluru in the Northern Territory, has posed significant challenges for both transportation and essential supply deliveries. The road, closed since March 5, has seen water levels rise to 1.1 meters high during the flooding, impacting not only traffic but also requiring supplies to be airlifted to isolated communities like the Cosmo Newberry Aboriginal community.
The Shire of Laverton, responsible for managing the affected road network, anticipates the closure of the Great Central Road to continue until late May. The damage caused by the flooding is part of a broader issue for the shire, which oversees more than 4,300 kilometers of unsealed roads, placing a substantial burden on their resources. The Gruyere gold mine, located 200 kilometers north-east of Laverton, experienced severe disruptions due to the floods, leading to temporary shutdowns of its processing plant and mining operations.
Gold Road Resources, a stakeholder in the Gruyere mine, reported a decline in production following the closures, with production costs increasing significantly from the previous quarter. The rerouting of supply runs via alternative, longer routes has added logistical complexities and raised operational costs for the mining operations. The closure of the Great Central Road has also impacted communities in the remote Ngaanyatjarra Lands, necessitating extensive detours for supply trucks to reach the affected areas.
The Australian government has extended disaster assistance funding to several local governments, including the Shire of Laverton, to support recovery efforts and repair essential infrastructure damaged by the extreme weather events. The Trans Access Road, crucial for pastoralists on the Nullarbor impacted by the flooding, requires significant repairs to restore accessibility and aid in the recovery of the affected regions. The funding aims to help affected communities and individuals recover and rebuild after the devastating impact of the floods on critical public assets like roads and bridges.