Alleged liquor boat bust in Aurukun amid alcohol debate

Police have charged three people after they were allegedly located in possession of liquor in a restricted area.

The community of Aurukun in North Queensland. Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Australia. Picture: Marc McCormack

Aurukun police have charged three people after they were allegedly located in possession of liquor in a restricted area.

It will be alleged around 11.40pm on August 8, a boat approached Aurukun boat ramp and a group of people were observed loading liquor from the boat onto the beach.

Three people were arrested at the scene.

A 46-year-old Aurukun man, a 40-year-old Aurukun man and a 37-year-old Aurukun man have all been charged with one count of prohibition of possession of alcohol in a restricted area.

It comes amid a debate about whether alcohol restrictions could be lifted in the town, 828 kilometres northwest of Cairns.

Aurukun Shire Council has had alcohol restrictions in place for 22 years but the Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha had campaigned to bring back limited alcohol before she was elected earlier this year.

If given approval, a tavern could operate with restricted opening hours, customer quotas and limits on the strength of alcohol sold.

But Aurukun Shire Council Acting CEO Juanita Warner said the council was not preparing to make an application to the state government for a licence to re-open a limited hours tavern.

“The council would need to consider a motion to review the community’s Alcohol Management Plan before applying for a permit,” she said.

The three men arrested will appear before Aurukun Magistrates Court on September 12.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman confirmed more than 70 litres of alcohol was seized however could not comment on the estimated street value was.

“It will be alleged police seized various alcohol including spirits and wine, totalling more than 74 litres,” the spokeswoman said.

Originally published as Alleged liquor boat bust in Aurukun amid alcohol debate