Airlift into Isolated Communities Tomorrow

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts has announced a large re-supply to flooded communities in the North West will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, 20 January).

“Roads in the area have been impassable since 11 January and supplies were last received on 9 January,” Mr Roberts said, “with the communities expected to be isolated for at least six weeks.

“Due to forecast low cloud all this week, the Bureau has advised that the only window of opportunity to land at Normanton is tomorrow morning.

“This a large re-supply, consisting of 8,156Kgs of dry food and medications and 2,900 kg of perishable foodstuffs,” he said.

“These goods are going to normal retailers as well as a number of catering establishments including pubs.”

Due to the large quantity being air freighted, the only aircraft available locally is a Dash8, which has been used many times before when conducting similar re-supply operations.

A separate re-supply request is expected shortly to move a further 6,636Kgs by barge from Cairns to Karumba on 27 January.

“The Government and the various agencies are conscious of the trauma these communities are experiencing and will do all in our power to ensure their wellbeing,” Mr Roberts said.

The food re-supply will sustain the local community for four weeks.

Flight details (Independent Aviation)

Depart Cairns 5am - Arrive Normanton at 6.20am

Depart Cairns 9.30am - Arrive Normanton at 10.50am

Depart Cairns at 2pm - Arrive Normanton at 3.20pm

Depart Cairns at 6pm - Arrive Normanton at 7.20pm