The second heavy vehicle incident in five weeks is concerning, according to one Aurukun resident. Photo: Supplied.
Concerns about road safety are rising in Aurukun following incidents on Amban Road and Aurukun Access Road.
Police are investigating an accident involving a Rio Tinto contractor vehicle on 17 November.
“Around 11am, officers were called to Amban Road following reports a prime mover and two trailers had rolled,” a Queensland Police Service spokesperson said.
“The driver, a 42-year-old man, sustained injuries to his leg and head, and was transported to Weipa Hospital before police arrived.
“Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with relevant information or vision is urged to contact police.”
The incident occurred about five weeks after an accident on Aurukun Access Road, which involved a Holden Rodeo utility and truck.
The 38-year-old female driver of the Rodeo and her two male passengers, aged 46 and 43, sustained minor injuries on 9 October. The 56-year-old male truck driver and his 53-year-old male passenger were not injured.
An Aurukun resident, who spoke to Cape York Weekly but asked to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the accidents.
“Everyone I’m talking to in Aurukun is worried about how the trucks are being managed,” the resident said.
Rio Tinto’s southern expansion mine has resulted in a jump in road train movements until 31 December. Photo: Supplied.
The Peninsula Developmental Road, Aurukun Access Road and Amban Road are currently experiencing increased road train activity as part of Rio Tinto Weipa’s transportation of construction materials between Cairns, Archer River Quarry and Amrun’s South Gate.
These movements will continue until the end of December with an estimated increase of six to 10 road trains per day.
“Council has been advised about 1500 trucks, mainly triple combinations, will be using the Aurukun Access Road and Amban Road during the current stage of mine expansion,” Aurukun Shire Council Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha said.
“[Council] has concerns about what that will mean, not only for Aurukun residents and service providers using the roads, but also the impact on the road network which is already subject to damage each wet season.
“Any incident which has the potential to impact our pristine landscape and roads to traditional outstations is of significant concern to council, as the safety and wellbeing of our community is always our priority.”
Rio Tinto confirmed the road train on Amban Road was heading to the southern expansion site, but said it was “not aware of any second incident on this haul road”.
The 17 November incident was reported to Work, Health and Safety QLD, Emergency Services, Queensland Police Service and Resources Safety and Health Queensland.
The road train, carrying cement powder, leaked fuel onto the soil.
General manager of Weipa operations Steve Dunstone said the team attending the scene promptly contained the spill by installing soak mats and a bund around the vehicle. It also attempted to mechanically plug the fuel tank breather.
“Immediate measures were taken to contain the fuel leakage and protect the environment, with further remediation following an insurance assessment,” he said.
“We are working closely with recovery specialists, insurers, and our contractor to safely relocate the vehicle and finalise recovery plans.
“We remain absolutely focused on safety, environmental protection, and the removal of the road train.”
Rio Tinto Weipa assured the community the fuel leakage was dealt with immediately and recovery plans were put in place to safely relocate the road train. Photo: Supplied.
