Cyclone Alfred panic buying: What’s really happening at the supermarkets

There’s silliness as Cyclone Alfred bears down on our shores and people think they spy it in the supermarkets. But things are not anything like they’re made out to be, writes Keith Woods.

Ah yes, the storm is gathering alright. The storm of nonsense.

For some, a crisis in this state can only mean one thing – an opportunity to point and scoff at the supposed foolishness of Queenslanders.

Witness the eagerness of some to herald the arrival of so-called “panic buying”.

What rot. There is no such thing.

At the start of the week authorities began advising residents to ensure they had at least three days worth of food on hand for when Tropical Cyclone Alfred strikes, as it now appears certain to do from Thursday on.

So sensible Queenslanders did just that – they went and bought what they need to ride it all out.

Inevitably, that’s put a bit more demand on supermarkets than usual. When this column swung by his local Woolies on Monday to pick up some milk, there were indeed some empty shelves. Stocks of staples such as eggs and bread had all been sold out.

Keeping shelves stocked with eggs has been a tough problem to crack. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

For some, this was evidence of a selfish hysteria.

“So disgusted in the human race,” one chap intoned in a social media post. “The panic buying has started already with all the water and long life milk gone. I saw people walking around aimlessly with trolleys stacked full to the brim and obviously in a state.”

Obviously in a state? I’m not sure what state he is in, but that’s not what this column has been witnessing – which is people taking what they need and no more.

“The whole of Brisbane has gone into panic mode,” another person breathlessly intoned.

Multiple reports suggested shelves had been “stripped bare”.

No, no they haven’t. People have heeded good advice and purchased supplies. Period.

And remember, being prepared helps everyone if the worst happens – nobody wants you out on the roads and possibly getting into strife after flooding just because you’ve run out of bread.

Supermarkets have been the first place to see an impact from Tropical Cyclone Alfred - but it's not as dramatic as many people think. Picture: Generated by Gemini AI

Premier David Crisafulli, impressively steadfast in his stewardship of recent recovery efforts following heavy flooding in north Queensland, was asked whether he was concerned about “panic buying”.

He sensibly declined to take the bait.

“It is important that people have sufficient food and water and I understand why Queenslanders want to do that, that is important,” he said.

“You should be prepared to be without power and should prepare to have your bottled water and you should have your spare batteries, spare charger for your phone, you should have batteries for a radio, you should have all your documents in one location.

“There is no harm in preparing and then not needing it. The harm is in not doing the work and – then when things become in a perilous situation if it gets to it – not being ready.”

The Premier is absolutely correct. Getting ready is not panic buying. This is not a confected Covid-style hysteria. This is just people doing the right thing.

Bottles of water have been flowing out the door. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Some have suggested that limits be applied to purchases.

Others point out that there are people in the community who cannot so easily hop in a car and stock up when the need arises, saying “panic buying” is unfair on more vulnerable community members.

This column sees a very different side to this community.

Very often, people who appear to have more than they need in their trolley do so precisely because they are busy helping more vulnerable neighbours.

Having endured the Christmas night tornado and its aftermath, in one of the areas of the Gold Coast most seriously affected, I can tell you that selfishness is hard to find in such emergencies.

A willingness to help others is not.

That’s how it always is when storms strike this state. Queenslanders are sensible, stoic, and always looking out for their neighbours.

The only ones “panicking” are the shrill voices looking for any tiny excuse to judge and be negative.

Follow @keithjwoods

Originally published as Cyclone Alfred panic buying: What’s really happening at the supermarkets