Kyogle Council has engaged an accredited geotechnical provider to review damage on the Lions Road post-Cyclone Alfred and undertake a risk assessment that included landslips south of the Queensland border. 

The geotechnical review process was undertaken in accordance with the Transport for NSW standard assessment of risk at landslip sites.

The review identified five different hazards, including downslope landslides, rockfalls from above and upslope landslides. The most consequential risk is a downslope landslide, which presents a high risk to users for several reasons, including:-

• Unstable state of exposed fill and collapsed roadway, including further cracking
• The potential for a rapid failure without warning
• The depth of void below the road meaning road users are particularly vulnerable to serious injury or worse should a vehicle impact the hazard.
• Any traffic loading on the remaining roadway would be bearing directly on the “zone of influence” of the downslope

The recommendation of the review is for a continued full road closure.  

Council had hoped to open the Lions Road for the Easter school holidays, unfortunately the damage sustained as a result of Cyclone Alfred, exacerbated by recent rainfall, means that is now not possible. 

The closure will be required for some time, and the road is unlikely to be reopened this year.

Council will provide further updates as they come to hand.