Darling Downs residents are raising concerns about bushfire evacuation access following recent fires in Serpentine Jarrahdale, while emergency authorities say arrangements are operating effectively.
The Thomas Road and Hopkinson Road intersection has been closed since October last year to support the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade (THETRU) project, prompting worries among locals about limited exit points during emergencies.
Darling Downs resident Patrick Hector questioned whether all evacuation routes were clearly communicated to the community after three separate fires were reported in Serpentine Jarrahdale on February 1.
Mr Hector said temporary barricades on Thomas Road were lifted during the evacuation, allowing some residents to leave via the route.
He said he only learned of the lift after the incident through Facebook comments.
“They didn’t tell us that at the time by text or anything,” Mr Hector said.
“I’ve had it in my head that Thomas Road is a dead end so I wouldn’t be going that way.”
He added proposals to eventually turn his end of Hopkinson Road into a cul-de-sac had mixed implications.
“On the one hand it’s nice for reducing traffic. On the other hand, I would like to be able to get out of a fire,” he said.
The Darling Downs Resident Association (DDRA) echoed similar concerns and said on the 37-degree day (February 1) some residents were left waiting in the heat while others stopped to take photographs during the disruption.
DDRA said one resident suggested creating emergency evacuation routes along existing bridle paths.
Shire President Rob Coales said the shire was working closely with the Tonkin Extension Alliance to ensure bushfire safety was considered in planning around road closures.
However, he said using bridle trails as emergency evacuation routes presented challenges, including issues with width, condition, signage and legal status.
A Main Roads spokesperson said the Tonkin Extension Alliance had ensured a safe evacuation option was maintained for residents during last week’s bushfires.
“During emergencies, evacuation warnings and notifications are led by emergency services, including DFES and WA Police,” the spokesperson said.
“Main Roads and the Tonkin Highway Extension Alliance will continue working closely with emergency services and the community to strengthen awareness of available evacuation routes, including additional communications and on-ground signage.”
