Residents of the small Australian town Eungella are urging for improvements to their access routes after being cut off for 72 hours due to destruction caused by Cyclone Koji. This incident is not an isolated one; it marks the second time in three years that the Mackay-Eungella Range Road, the only sealed access road to the community, has been rendered impassable. The cyclone's aftermath not only severed physical access but also left the townsfolk reliant on mutual support to address essential needs such as food and medical supplies.

The community of Eungella, which has a population of about 200, relies heavily on the Mackay-Eungella Range Road for all-vehicle, sealed entry to the outside world. Each time this road is cut, the residents face significant challenges. Currently, the only alternative route is off-road and requires four-wheel drive, which makes access for many residents difficult and impractical, especially in emergency situations. The calls for action for a secondary route come not just from recent experiences but also from lessons learned over previous weather events that have demonstrated the vulnerability of the existing infrastructure and the community's isolation.

Looking towards the future, Eungella residents are emphasizing the urgent need for governance and infrastructure updates that could enable a more resilient framework in the face of natural disasters. The community is advocating for proactive measures to ensure that there are sufficient access routes available, which can be relied upon during extreme weather events. This call for change not only signifies their immediate needs but also reflects a broader challenge faced by rural communities in Australia, particularly those susceptible to severe weather conditions.