Deliver the goods: Fresh produce low in Cape York and Torres Strait as suppliers seek solutions

Major disruptions to supply chains have reached Cape York and the Torres Strait, with the region’s key grocer, transport company and councils banding together to deliver essentials from its supply centre in Cairns.

CEQ workers prepare to send stock from its Cairns warehouse to the ABIS supermarket in Kowanyama.

Major disruptions to supply chains have reached Cape York and the Torres Strait, with the region’s key grocer, transport company and councils banding together to deliver from its supply centre in Cairns.

Extreme weather conditions between Townsville and Cairns have caused significant disruptions for Community Enterprise Queensland’s (CEQ) 28 stores across the region, with some essential items in limited supply.

But CEQ chief executive Michael Dykes said communities had been well informed around possible shortages with changes made to ensure goods were delivered despite recent flooding events.

“Residents may notice some shortages, particularly in fresh produce, and communities are encouraged to consider alternative products where possible, such as long-life milk instead of fresh milk,” Mr Dykes said.

“It’s also important to think of others in the community, especially our more vulnerable residents, during difficult times like these.

“Anticipating this significant weather event, CEQ switched some of our supply routes from rail to road to increase flexibility where possible, as well as utilising our ongoing wet season sea and air freight strategies.”

CEQ workers unpack a plane carrying supplies to stock the shelves of the ABIS supermarket in Kowanyama.

Mr Dykes said CEQ increases weekly stock levels in all stores during the wet season to ensure essential items remain available when deliveries are restricted.

Emergency pallets of water are store in each community supermarket during the wet season.

Torres Strait Island Regional Council chief executive, James William, said the council had offered support to CEQ and Sea Swift to deliver products to their remote communities.

“Access to our communities by air and sea is critical not only for transporting people but also for delivering goods and services,” Mr William said.

“Adverse conditions can disrupt this access, so we collaborate with our stakeholders to provide updates, advise on impacts, and offer alternative arrangements, when necessary.”

Sea Swift chair Chris Pearce said providing essential goods and services to remote communities by sea during the wet season was a critical part of the transport company’s service.

“Sea Swift are a resilient service, committed to the Far North and Torres Strait,” Mr Pearce said.

“The climate and environment are a constant challenge for the communities and can present operational hurdles in logistics, transportation and freight.”

Originally published as Deliver the goods: Fresh produce low in Cape York and Torres Strait as suppliers seek solutions