Around 300 giant anchor nails, some stretching up to 12 metres, are being drilled into the steep slope of the Noah Range landslip using a specialised spider excavator, as part of critical stabilisation works.
This latest phase of the project began in mid-July and is expected to be completed by early August. Once the nails are securely in place, a heavy-duty matting will be installed over the top section of the slope to catch any further movement and prevent debris from falling.
HEH Civil Project Manager Michael Bowler said the team was making steady progress.
“The spider excavator, which uses its long arms to anchor to the steep surface, can drill around 10 nails per day into soils, weathered rock, and solid rock,” Mr Bowler said.
“The rest of the slip will then be terraced and revegetated to create further stabilisation.”
The Noah Range landslip was caused by severe flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, which left the Cape Tribulation community isolated and disrupted tourism and daily life for months.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the works are progressing well and are a vital part of protecting the region from future weather events.
“It’s encouraging to see steady progress on such a complex and essential project,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“The installation of anchor nails and matting is a key step in weather-proofing the slope and reducing the risk of further slips during future wet seasons.”
“We’re committed to ensuring long-term safety and access for our communities, and this work is a strong investment in the resilience of our road network north of the Daintree River.”
The stabilisation works are expected to be completed by March 2026, after which the focus will shift to restoring the original road surface.
