Aerial food supplies for far north Queensland community

The Queensland Government has approved the aerial delivery of 780 kilograms of food for the isolated far north Queensland community of Coen today (Friday, 15 February).

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the closure of roads due to recent rains has meant the supply of essential non-perishable food to Coen was required.

“The Department of Emergency Services has received a request for the aerial delivery of food, including canned fruit, flour, powdered milk, from the Cook Shire,” Mr Roberts said.

“The Department expects parts of the far north to be isolated for two to three weeks due to impassable roads.”

“In these conditions, normal freight services cannot operate and the communities, like Coen, require aerial supplies from time to time,” he said.

Member for Cook Jason O'Brien said the Coen food re-supply was the first for Cape York this year.

"I welcome the approval of the Cook Shire Council’s request to ensure local residents can continue to access essential food supplies," Mr O'Brien said.

“Late last year, a three-tonne shipment of food was flown to Aurukun after normal freight services were disrupted by extreme weather caused by Tropical Cyclone Guba,” he said.

The freight costs will be paid under the joint State and Commonwealth-funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350