Fresh food bare, Woolies sets product limits as IGA, local business delivers for FNQ

Despite assurances they are working to fill shelves and have six weeks of groceries in reserve, fresh produce aisles in the big two supermarkets remain bare and limits are being set on essentials as local businesses and smaller supermarkets deliver for Far North customers.

Woolworths stores across Cairns have been left bare from the transport delays. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

Despite assurances they are working to fill shelves and have six weeks of groceries in reserve, fresh produce aisles in the big two supermarkets remain bare and limits are being set on essentials as local businesses and smaller supermarkets deliver for Far North customers.

Deliveries to Woolworths and Coles in the Far North have been significantly impacted by the closure of the Bruce Highway as a result of flooded roads and damaged infrastructure across the region.

Woolworths stores in Cairns and Smithfield were still without all but select fruit and vegetables such as chillies and had very limited selections of fresh meat on Tuesday.

Other items such as bread, rice and long life milk were also beginning to dwindle.

A spokesman for Woolworths said they have been able to get several truck loads of stock from the south to the Townsville Distribution Centre to restock local stores but truck access to the north remained cut off.

Woolworths stores across Cairns have been left bare from the transport delays. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

“To ensure all our customers continue to have fair access to essentials, we have introduced a two-pack purchase limit on a small number of products in our stores from Mackay northwards,” they said.

Temporary purchase limits of two packs per transaction have been placed on toilet paper, rice, bread, noodles, deli products and poultry products at Woolworths stores from Mackay north, including Charters Towers.

The Super IGA on Pease St remained well stocked with fresh fruit, vegetables and fresh meat. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

“We are working with local suppliers across milk, fruit, veg and meat to co-ordinate deliveries direct to our stores where possible, and we remain in constant contact with the state government and emergency services to prioritise deliveries for the impacted areas.”

Smithfield local Georgia Compton said she was hoping the trucks were beginning to get through with the easing of conditions further south.

“I was thinking they might have some fresh stuff today and we would be able to get some chicken and veggies, but I guess I’ll have to check the butchers,” she said.

One worker at the Lake St Cairns store told a reporter they were expecting a truck with fruit and vegetables but “it never showed up”.

Coles stores also remained largely empty of fresh produce apart from select items with the fruit and vegetable section stocked with bananas and butternut pumpkins.

The coles at Cairns Central had limited fruit and vegetables with only bananas and butternut pumpkin available. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

A Coles spokesman said they were closely monitoring the evolving situation in Far North Queensland.

“Our team worked hard to prepare our stores with essential supplies ahead of this weather event, and we are working closely with suppliers, transport partners and local authorities to maintain deliveries where roads remain accessible,” they said.

“We ask customers to only buy what they need so that everyone in the community can access essential items.”

Cairns MP Michael Healy, writing on social media, said major stores were unsure when they would be supplied and urged residents to support their local businesses.

“Naturally this is all the impact of the significant rain event that has happened to the south of us,” he said.

Local businesses like the Clifton Beach Butchery were delivering for locals in the absence of the supermarkets. Photo: Cairns Chamber of Commerce (Facebook)

“There is simply not enough for panic buying but it is a good time to think about the broader community and just buy what you need as the supplies come in.”

While Woolies and Coles had empty shelves IGA stores continued to deliver for customers will fresh fruit, vegetables and red meat still available.

Local butchers and grocers stocked with suppliers closer to the region also remained open and ready to serve supermarket shoppers.

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce also urged shoppers to buy local.

“With the recent flooding events, it’s more important than ever to shop local and support our Cairns community,” they posted on social media.

“Remember, even once the roads are open again, think about who supported you in your times of need.”

Originally published as Fresh food bare, Woolies sets product limits as IGA, local business delivers for FNQ