Serious concerns for 160 who fled Aurukun after New Year’s Day violence

The health and safety of hundreds of people forced to leave their Cape York community following an alleged murder and the outbreak of violence on New Year’s Day is now in doubt. it comes as a total of 23 people have been charged with 79 offences.

COMMUNITY groups hold serious concerns for the health and safety of hundreds of people who fled a Cape York town when violence erupted after an alleged murder on New Year’s Day.

Riots in Aurukun have led to 130 people fleeing six hours west to Coen, with others moving to south to Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw.

Several dwellings were damaged and destroyed after fires were deliberately lit during riots in Aurukun on New Year’s Day. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Another 110 people travelled through the night to a makeshift bush camp 80km outside of Aurukun, now being run by former soldiers.

There are serious concerns about access to health services, food and personal safety following what police labelled a “vengeance-seeking exercise”, community groups said.

The town remains in “code black” for Queensland Health staff, which means there is a personal threat to the safety of health workers.

Police have now charged 23 people with 79 offences relating to six houses being set on fire, two other houses being extensively damaged and other offences.

Twelve people have been charged with arson.

A file photo of former Aurukun Shire Council CEO Gary Kleidon.

Two teenagers were charged with murder after a 37-year-old man was allegedly stabbed on New Year’s Day.

The state government has said that former Aurukun Shire Council CEO Gary Kleidon has been called in to coordinate the Government’s response.

The camp established outside Aurukun is not planned to be a long-term alternative, the Government said.

“Queensland Government agencies are monitoring the situation in the camps to ensure health care, sanitation, food and water needs are met,” it said in a statement.