Queensland Government begins rebuilding flood damaged store to restore essential service, food security for Wujal Wujal community

• The Wujal Wujal store was extensively damaged when the community was inundated by floodwaters during heavy rain brought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
• The store provides an essential service to the remote community and contributes to food security.  
• The Miles Government is supporting the rebuilding of key community infrastructure in Wujal Wujal, as well as the return of residents displaced by the disaster.

Work is underway to rebuild the Wujal Wujal store to restore an essential service and food security to the remote Far North community in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Wujal Wujal was among the worst hit communities, with residents evacuated and homes and critical community infrastructure extensively damaged by the heavy rain and flooding that followed the December 2023 cyclone.

The Miles Government is supporting the community to recover from the disaster and is working with Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council to coordinate the return of residents and repairs to key infrastructure.

QBuild has been engaged to complete repairs to the store which will include replacement of the cold room, store generator and retaining walls, as well as reflooring, re-sheeting of walls, and electrical repairs.

The Queensland Government is working with the council and other stakeholders to discuss interim options for community while the store repairs are underway.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communities Leeanne Enoch:

“Tropical Cyclone Jasper left a trail of destruction in the Wujal Wujal community, with floodwaters inundating homes and buildings, including the store, where water reached 40cm up the walls.

“This is a huge loss to the remote community as the store provides essential access to food and other day-to-day convenience items.

“A lot of residents in Wujal Wujal rely heavily on the store’s easy access from within the community on a daily basis.

“I’m pleased to report that work to repair the store has already begun and we’re looking at interim options to provide access to food and other essential items until repairs are completed, and the store has reopened.

“The Queensland Government is committed to supporting Wujal Wujal and other disaster affected communities to recover as quickly as possible.”

Quotes attributable to Public Works Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“Often among the first boots on the ground after a natural disaster, QBuild teams from around Queensland continue to assess and repair damaged social housing and key public infrastructure in Wujal Wujal like the Police Station, Health Unit and the local store.

“We’ve helped families from across the community with accommodation and we’ll continue to work with the community as they rebuild.

“More than 50 QBuild staff have been involved in the ongoing response and recovery efforts and they’ll get on with the job until it’s done.”

Quotes attributable to Bradley Creek, Mayor, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council:

“It has been a very rough time for my people of Wujal Wujal.

“We are grateful that the Queensland Government has been working with the Elders, Council and Community elders to have the community cleaned up.

“The road to recovery is 4 to 5 weeks away.

“All government agencies are working together so all essential services are up and running before the community returns home to Wujal Wujal.

“Rebuilding the store will return a sense of normality for the community which has been through so much.”

Quotes attributable to Cynthia Lui Member for Cook:

“Every Queenslander was shocked by the images of Wujal Wujal residents trapped on roofs late last year. Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the torrential rains that followed caused utter devastation for the community.   

“In light of all the community has suffered, it’s so important that residents are supported to return to community and Country as quickly as possible and have access to essentials like fresh food.

“The Queensland Government is listening to local Elders, Mayor Creek and Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council as we work together to clean up and rebuild Wujal, and support residents to recover from the disaster, both practically and emotionally.” 

Explainer/fast facts and/or further information:

Financial assistance is available for Far North Queenslanders impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or call the 24-hour Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for more information about personal hardship assistance.

To access emotional support or someone to talk to, call Lifeline’s dedicated support line on 1800 116 671 from 8am to 8pm daily. After hours support is available by phoning the Lifeline Crisis Support Line on 13 11 14.

ENDS

Media contact – Tim Auguston 0427 090 563