GroundProbe’s Radar Technology Safeguards Major Road Access After Queensland Cyclone

OVERVIEW

On 13 December 2023, Tropical Cyclone Jasper, a Category 2 system, made landfall on the Far North Queensland (FNQ) coast. As the wettest tropical cyclone on record in Australia, it brought unprecedented rainfall, equivalent to two years’ worth, over the course of a single week. This deluge resulted in severe flooding, large-scale isolation, extensive power outages, and substantial disruptions to agriculture, animal welfare, small businesses, tourism, and infrastructure across FNQ.

CHALLENGE

Noah’s Range, a critical section of Cape Tribulation Road, was severely impacted. A landslide of significant proportions, reaching 56 meters in height, buried the road under eight meters of debris, rendering it impassable. Despite the tireless efforts of local council crews, who managed to reduce the debris mass by late March, the site remained a persistent safety concern due to the unstable conditions.

In response, on 23 April, a consulting engineering company, on behalf of the Douglas Shire Council, urgently sought GroundProbe’s expertise to provide a comprehensive solution to ensure the safety and ongoing accessibility of Cape Tribulation Road.

SOLUTION

By integrating GroundProbe’s SSR-XT, MonitorIQ software, and GSS, geotechnical teams had access to 24/7 safety-critical data. This information pinpointed movement hotspots through a color-coded heatmap overlaid on photographic representations of the affected area. Regular updates were shared with the Douglas Shire Council, enabling informed decision-making about the roadway’s safety. As a result, the council determined that the slip had stabilized enough to safely reopen Cape Tribulation Road to motorists.

RESULTS

Clifford Walsh, GroundProbe VP Australia, Asia & Operational Excellence, said,

“The continuous data stream provided by the SSR-XT, coupled with real-time alarms triggered by any detected movement, allowed for the formulation of a site-specific Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP). Developed in close consultation with our GroundProbe’s experts and council officials, the TARP ensured that authorities remained equipped to manage the risk effectively and implement preventative safety measures.”

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon remarked on the critical role played by GroundProbe’s technology in extending the road’s accessibility:

“The safety of the local community, tourists, and Council staff has been our priority since recovery works began on Noah Range.”

Commenting on the successful deployment, Paul Davies, GroundProbe Commercial Manager – Australasia, said,

“Developed in Queensland over 20 years ago, GroundProbe’s Slope Stability Radar technology is now used in mines worldwide. It’s especially rewarding to see this innovation helping remote communities in Far North Queensland, ensuring the safety of the only road that connects them to their homes.”

The Douglas Shire Council, in collaboration with engineers and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, continues to monitor the site closely and remains committed to implementing long-term rectification works to secure the ongoing stability and safety of Cape Tribulation Road.

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Landslide at Cape Tribulation after Tropical Cyclone Jasper, December 2023	GroundProbe’s SSR-XT providing real-time monitoring at Noah Range
GroundProbe’s SSR-XT providing real-time monitoring at Noah Range	Cape Tribulation Road at Noah Range, Far North Queensland, Australia