General News
17 January, 2020
New Name for Old Palmerston Highway
Help rename the Old Palmerston Highway
The Tablelands community is being asked to share their ideas on new names for the Old Palmerston Highway between Millaa Millaa and Ravenshoe.
It comes after the Department of Transport and Main Roads was approached by council to consider renaming the road, avoiding confusion for visitors and truckies travelling along the Palmerston Highway.
Pat Reynolds President of the Milla Milla Lions club said it’s something that he and the local community had been working on for over 2 years.
“There’s been a lot of confusion about addresses on the highway, we have the old Palmerston Highway, plus the Palmerston Highway itself, plus there’s an old Palmerston Highway in Innisfail, people are just getting lost and confused”
“On several occasions, the Fire brigade and Ambulance have gone the wrong way. When it comes to emergency services minutes could be vital to saving someone’s life.“
The local community will be the ones who decide on the final name
“Historically before it was ever a highway it was called Beatrice Road, so there’s a bit of interest in renaming something along those lines to stay with historical values”
Local MP Shane Knuth said, “We welcome this – it has been a long-drawn-out process lobbying for the name change, with Pat Reynolds and the community to get this underway.”
“In the end, no one likes a name change, but in this case, it’s the best option for a safer alternative and it’s great to see our fight for this change has been victorious.”
Acting Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Ryan encouraged the community to put forward suggestions that highlighted the area’s cultural and historical significance.
“The Old Palmerston Highway starts in Millaa Millaa and winds its way through the rain-shrouded mountains of Wooroonooran National Park to Ravenshoe,” Mr Ryan said. “The Old Palmerston Highway is often mistakenly accessed by unsuitable vehicles, such as heavy vehicles and caravans, due to 'highway' in its name.”
To nominate email cairns.office@tmr.qld.gov.au, call 4045 7038 or visit tmr.qld.gov.au.
Submissions close 5pm Friday, 5 March 2020.
