An urgent delivery of fuel from the Australian Army will see supply runs continue to flood affected producers near Julia Creek on Saturday.
The McKinlay Shire Council put out an urgent call for more fuel before the flooding disaster struck, but due to severe weather conditions the earliest the Army could supply fuel was today (Friday February 8).
McKinlay Shire Council Local Disaster Management Group ran out of fuel on Friday but have since continued to helicopter medical supplies, fodder and food to flooded landholders around the region.
Mayor Belinda Murphy said a good supply of fuel was delivered but they were going to need more.
“We had 3000 litres avgas and 2000 litres of jet fuel arrive from Townsville,” Cr Murphy said.
“Given what has happened this is expected to last three days. The fuel request was processed before the large deluge of rain hit so we thought it was going to be enough but it definitely isn’t. So we have processed another request for 10,000 litres.
“I am very cautious of being able to have choppers in the air, not just for the LDMG needs but also for the wider community needs.
“It is essential for people to be able to go and see what is happening on their property so they can help them if needed.”
The Local Disaster Management Group is also coordinating fuel to fill local helicopters for fodder drops to isolated landholders.
“Currently landholders are coordinating fodder drops on their properties with helicopters they usually use for mustering,” Cr Murphy said.
“They have been feeding cattle for the last two days and we have set up a help line to assist other landholders.
“If they have hay and gas on property we can task a helicopter to go out and assist them.”
Cr Murphy said to assist landholders further then 20 miles from Julia Creek, LDMG would need the assistance and support from the Australian Army.
“We are looking for defence to assist with larger fodder drops in the area and then smaller helicopters and distribute from that point to isolated landholders,” Cr Murphy said.
“The Army planes cannot drop too close to houses or cattle because it will cause more devastation to infrastructure and stock.”
Affected landholders chasing a resupply can call the McKinlay Shire Council (07) 4746 7166.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
