Stanes Transport refuses to return to Yuendumu after essential supply truck allegedly ambushed
A freight company has handed the government an ultimatum demanding better protection after a road train carrying food and medical supplies was allegedly ambushed by a group of youths.
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A company freighting essential supplies to a remote Central Australian community says it will not return without police escort after a truckie was allegedly ambushed by a large group of youths.
For 15 years Stanes Transport has delivered a weekly shipment of food, medical, disability and teaching supplies to Yuendumu, 330km northwest of Alice Springs.
The company is refusing to send any more drivers to the town without a commitment from the government that it would be supported by police to deliver the goods safely, with four triple-0 calls going unanswered during the incident on Friday.
“I’m hoping it can be resolved, I’m hoping the truck can get there safely so the community can get what it needs,” co-owner Kylie Stanes said.
“But without a significant commitment we can’t go back, as an employer I need to keep my staff safe.”
At 5am on Friday a 53m Stanes road train was unloading at the first of Yuendumu’s two community stores, Big Shop.
According to Ms Stanes, two cars pulled up and about a dozen young people got out – some allegedly throwing rocks at the driver and store manager while the others allegedly began stealing from the pallets.
After multiple calls to emergency services, the driver was forced to lock himself in the truck and leave town.
The premature exit meant half of the community’s supplies were not delivered for this week, including goods for Yuendumu’s aged care services, dialysis, and health clinic.
Ms Stanes said there had been several incidents over the years, such as truck windows smashed and driver’s wallets stolen.
After rocks were thrown at a driver in December, Ms Stanes wrote to Gwoja MLA Chansey Paech and Police Minister Brent Potter calling for support, but says little was done.
She said her company had had “amazing help” from police over the years, but it had been lacking after officer’s were reshuffled late last year.
“The government talks up food security and that, but I’m not getting any support from them at all,” she said.
“It’s really frustrating and upsetting.
“We’re not having this reaction because of a once off, insignificant event – it’s tough going delivering to remote communities.”
Ms Stanes contacted the government again on Friday to deliver her ultimatum.
Gwoja MLA Chansey Paech said the alleged ambush was “completely unacceptable” and police were investigating.
“Further, our local representative from the Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet who lives in the community, along with local leadership are working on a range of solutions to address the situation,” he said.
Shadow Treasurer Bill Yan said the government was failing to do enough to stem crime and shore up supplies to bush communities.
“Labor’s crime crisis has unbelievably somehow hit a new low with this appalling (alleged) attack,” he said.
Originally published as Stanes Transport refuses to return to Yuendumu after essential supply truck allegedly ambushed
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