Territorians in the remote southern regions can expected to see grocery store shelves restocked as supermarkets start to see daily deliveries of fresh and non-perishable foods again.
Regional areas across the southern region saw supermarket shelves stripped of all perishable and non-perishable foods after localised flooding cut off major highways to the east and south of Central Australia, and damaged the railway line in South Australia.
Southern region Incident Controller Superintendent Shaun Gill said the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator had established a temporary alternative route for road trains to ensure the delivery of critical goods to the Northern Territory.
"Major supermarkets have advised they are receiving fresh and pantry staples delivered via Mount Isa and shipments from Brisbane," said Superintendent Gill
"We expect it to take some time to restock shelves, however we will see a steady supply so we urge the community not to panic-buy and be patient as we work with key stakeholders to get food back on the shelves."
"The Critical Goods and services Team within the Emergency Operations Centre has been monitoring the food security situation particularly in remote communities on a daily basis, and is in contact with remote stores to assist with any concerns.
"We've been advised by the major suppliers to remote community stores in the southern region, that they have either no or low stock of fresh produce, however ample supplies of frozen meat and veggies, and good stocks of non-perishable foods. As flooding conditions start to ease - they will start to see more products transported to remote areas.
"Police, Health and Welfare officers have been sent to remote communities cut off by flood waters to assess the situation. The Southern Region Incident Management Team has contingencies in place for food deliveries to remote communities should the matter become urgent."
The Southern Region Incident Management Team continues to meet twice daily with key stakeholders to monitor and manage current challenges faced by remote and urban areas in the Southern region, as a result of COVID and severe weather conditions.
"The supply issues experienced across the Central Southern Region are consistent with issues experienced across the Northern Territory. All members of the community are strongly encouraged to only purchase what they need and to refrain from panic buying".
