Although Josh Drayton was held up by flooded roads when I saw him in North Queensland on February 8, he didn’t let boredom get to him.
The friendly 45-year-old truck driver was near his flashy Mack Anthem which, despite having been sprayed by floodwater, was in a very clean condition.
Josh works for Richers Transport based in southern Queensland and was destined for Innisfail carting product for Kmart.
He was yarning to other drivers at the packed BP Cluden Roadhouse parking area as they all waited for news of roads being open.
“I have been a driver for 25 years and love the job,” he said.
Soon after another truckie who was tucking into a giant hamburger arrived and spoke to Josh.
His Richers Transport colleagues, who were travelling in tandem, said Josh was fortunate to be behind the wheel of a pride of the fleet.
Josh said he rates the highway between Maryborough and Rockhampton as amongst the worst he has to travel along.
He said more rest areas were needed for drivers, a sentiment shared by many. “Especially near and around Cairns.”
Josh’s favourite recreation is fishing and a successful spot for him is around the waters of Hervey Bay. “I have caught nannygai, perch and other species,” he said.