Queensland government boosts remote communities freight scheme to 20 per cent across 34 stores

Almost 34 stores across the Cape York, Torres Strait, and Gulf region are now offering a discount on essential items. Find out more here.

Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme is now in full effect, designed to make daily necessities more affordable for people living in remote communities. Find out more here.

Almost 34 stores across the Cape York, Torres Strait, and Gulf region are now offering a discount on essential items, as part of the Queenslands governments Freight Assistance scheme.

The state government increased the Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme from 5.2 per cent to 20 per cent, which took effect on September 9.

Participating stores will apply a reduction to items such as milk, bread, fruit and vegetables and cleaning supplies, in an effort to help lower costs for residents in remote areas, like Northern Peninsula, Torres Strait, and Gulf regions.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said this scheme was crucial to support Far North communities in accessing affordable goods. Picture: Brendan Radke

However, items such as alcohol, tobacco, furniture, or appliances will not be eligible for the discount.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said it was important to support communities in the Far North and help them gain access to affordable goods.

“Residents will now receive even more cost-of-living relief at local shops with the 20 per cent discount now being applied at the register,” she said.

A 1kg bag of powdered milk costs $19 in Hope Vale, $370kms north of Cairns. Picture: Supplied

Wonder bread sells for $7.30 in Hope Vale, almost double the cost of $4.40 at Woolworths stores. Picture: Supplied

People in these remote areas can often pay more for essential goods because of higher shipping costs.

“Communities in my electorate shouldn’t feel disadvantaged just because of their location, and I’ll continue to advocate for practical cost of living relief for families in the Far North,” Ms Lui said.

The Queensland government said the discount had been designed to ease the financial burden on residents.

For example if a bottle of detergent cost $3.46 at full price in a region, it would costs $2.77 with the discount applied, a two-liter bottle of milk could go from $5.40 to $4.32.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Transport Minister Bart Mellish said this initiative was about delivering practical and tangible relief for remote communities.

“By applying an increased discount percentage of 20 per cent at the cash register at participating retailers, the weekly grocery shop will be even more affordable for residents living within the Northern Peninsula, Torres Strait and Gulf region,” he said.

The government will continue to work with local retailers to ensure the scheme runs smoothly and to encourage more stores to offer these discounts.

“I encourage retailers not participating in the scheme within the region to visit the QRIDA website, search for the Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme,” Mr Mellish said.

Originally published as Queensland government boosts remote communities freight scheme to 20 per cent across 34 stores