Local shops stand strong as supplies hit hard

Food Watch

Bryan Littlely

Journalist

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Luigi Scomazzon and Dalta Hatfield working hard to keep produce on the tables of Douglas Shire. Picture: Bryan Littlely

Locally owned Douglas businesses are proving to be the backbone of the produce supply chain as supplies into the Shire are crippled due to flooded and wrecked roads on the routes into the region.

Luigi Scomazzon was busy stocking his store north of Mossman on Saturday with fresh produce on the back of a “crazy week”.

“We’re trying to just cover for our locals, of course… we’re not going to turn anyone away but it is just going to shorten stuff for us,’’ Luigi said.

“It is just what I’ve got and people in the know and local produce in the Tablelands.

“We are just chasing it ourselves and what we can find at the moment. We’re doing the best we can.”

Luigi said a produce truck he was meant to have arrived on Friday night had been stranded at Charters Towers where roads are washed away and flooded. He hoped it would make it through by Monday evening.

A temporary bridge has been built on the Bruce Highway over Ollera Creek but it came with advice that supply issues into Cairns and North would continue. Woolworths Mossman was reported to have received a produce delivery on Friday but the fruit and vegetable section was nearly empty by noon on Saturday.

“We’ve had far more people through this week,’’ Luigi said.

“It would be good to think that some of them will keep coming back but it is just because they know we have plenty of produce and there’s a shortage in town they’ve come here but hopefully some will keep coming back.’’

Scomazzon’s Produce did not attend the Sunday Port Douglas Markets as they worked to keep their permanent store stocked and source produce.

While spokespeople for Woolworths and Coles continue to reassure the public supplies will be through within days, some are seeking out locally sourced alternatives.

Port Douglas IGA is faring OK, having more local suppliers, while local butchers, bakers and restaurants are staying busy.

Shire supermarkets are trying to source as much local produce as they can, with tropical fruits such as bananas and papayas filling some empty shelves.

A Coles spokesperson has said it was constantly monitoring the situation.

"Our team worked hard to prepare our stores with essential supplies ahead of this weather event, and we are working closely with suppliers, transport partners and local authorities to maintain deliveries where roads remain accessible."

"We ask customers to only buy what they need so that everyone in the community can access essential items."

Mossman Woolworths has a two-pack purchase limit on items including toilet paper, rice, bread, noodles, deli products and poultry products.

"Unfortunately, truck access to our stores to the north via Ingham and up to Mossman remains cut-off,” a spokesperson has said.

Some friendly Douglas Shire locals have been compiling online lists for travellers and locals of stocked-up shops and restaurants still open in Port Douglas and Mossman.

 

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