MITEZ said rail and road repairs are "moving in the right direction"

Since the extreme rain event that occurred in early February across much of the North West, vital supply chains were severed which has resulted in significant impacts to industry and losses already in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

MITEZ President, David Glasson said immediately after the floods with much of the road and rail networks still under water, there were concerns that it may take a number of months to restore the region’s transport corridors.

However, yesterday’s statement by Queensland Rail that they’re allocating every possible resource to the Mount Isa line recovery work indicated the repairs may be completed in eight to twelve weeks.

"Transport and Main Roads have also announces the Flinders Highway re-open and expects much of the region’s supplies and bulk freight will then be able to be transported by road until repairs to the rail network are completed," Mr Glasson said.

"The State Government and local Councils will collaborate to undertake roadworks to enable the network to operate as best it can and to provide the flexibility to allow heavy transport to access many of our roads such as the Flinders Highway, secondary access roads and Shire roads.

"Restoring our transport network within a reasonable and acceptable timeframe is crucial for our communities, businesses and industries as they have already suffered significant losses," Mr Glasson said.

READ MORE: Greg Campbell remains concerned about Shorten's response to flood.

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