FLOODS PUT PRESSURE ON SUPPLIES IN KUNUNURRA

Kununurra is experiencing food shortages after being isolated due to flooding, but emergency aid is on its way.

Supply has been cut off from the east by floods in the Northern Territory Victoria River, compounding transport issues created by Fitzroy River flooding earlier this year, which cut off access to the town from the west. 

Kununurra Community Advocate and Miriwoong woman Nawoola Davy Newry said the town is experiencing pressure from the food shortages. 

Flooding around Kalkarindji in the NT has affected transport routes into Kununurra. Photo Credit: Northern Territory Emergency Service NT SES - Palmerston Volunteer Unit Facebook Page.

“It’s kind of a situation that when a truck gets in you’ve got a couple of hours to get down to Coles and get your supplies, otherwise, you miss out and there’s nothing on the shelves for a week,” she said.

“There’s very limited fruit and vegetables, we haven’t had potatoes for a month, we’ve only just got them back in last week.

“You go into Coles and the food is already turning because it’s taking so long to get up here in the truck.”

Emergency services have said a fresh shipment of food is due to arrive in the East Kimberley by Friday, according to the ABC.