Key Takeaways
- Queensland authorities are taking steps to prevent food insecurity in the state’s Far North ahead of the wet season
- Multiple flood warnings, watches, and severe weather warnings are active across the north of the state, with road closures already in place
- Supermarkets have stockpiled extra supplies, and the state and federal governments have announced funding programs to improve the Bruce Highway
- The federal government has been working with stakeholders to stockpile essential goods and improve storage capabilities
- The state government has allocated $50 million for upgrades to the Bruce Highway, including raising the road to be more flood-resilient
Introduction to the Issue
As the wet season approaches in Queensland, authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent food insecurity in the state’s Far North. With multiple flood warnings, watches, and severe weather warnings active across the north of the state, road closures are already in place, and more rain is expected to fall in the coming days. The Bruce Highway, which connects Cairns and Townsville, is particularly vulnerable to flooding, and its closure can have significant impacts on the supply of essential goods to communities in the region. In February, a once-in-a-century flood event in Ingham cut off the Bruce Highway, resulting in extended shortages of food and other essential items in communities from Cairns to the Cape.
The Impact of Flooding on Communities
The flooding event in February was not an isolated incident, and many residents in the region are all too familiar with the challenges of living in an area prone to natural disasters. Cairns local Jay Baird, who has lived in the area for 25 years, said that running low on supplies and feeling isolated from the rest of the state was not a new experience. However, the extreme amount of rain in February made it particularly difficult to access fresh produce and other essential items. Mr. Baird noted that it is a reality of living in North Queensland, where floods can cut off roads and rail lines at least once a year.
Addressing Food Security
To address the issue of food security, the federal member for Leichardt, Matt Smith, has been in contact with Woolworths and Sea Swift to stockpile essential goods and take precautions to prevent a repeat of the shortage. The state government has also been working with Coles and Woolworths to improve storage capabilities and reserve extra pallets of food in Cairns and Townsville. Woolworths has taken proactive steps to increase stock levels in the Far North ahead of the wet season, including positioning six shipping containers in Cairns and other locations across the region, each filled with essential items to be deployed to nearby stores in the event of a natural disaster.
Fixing the Roads
One of the main issues contributing to food insecurity in the region is the condition of the roads, particularly the Bruce Highway. Les Blennerhassett, the director of Blenners Transport, one of the biggest freight companies in northern Queensland, said that the roads around Gairloch and the Seymour River consistently close due to flooding. He is calling for these sections to be raised higher to prevent flooding and ensure that essential goods can reach communities in the region. The Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickleberg, said that state funding for the Bruce Highway includes $50 million for upgrades north of Ingham between Gairloch and Ripple Creek, which will provide safety upgrades, replace culverts, widen the road, and lift the section of the highway to be more flood-resilient.
Future Plans and Concerns
While the funding announcements are welcome, some residents, like Jay Baird, have little faith in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises. Mr. Baird noted that the roads have been a problem for the last 20 years, and despite ongoing roadworks, nothing seems to have changed in terms of flooding. The minister said that the projects to upgrade the Bruce Highway should commence next year, but for now, communities in the region remain vulnerable to the impacts of flooding and food insecurity. As the wet season approaches, it is essential that authorities continue to work together to address the issue of food security and ensure that essential goods can reach communities in the region.