Media release

Food drops –Central Australia

Police

Police are co-ordinating food drops to seven outstations in flooded areas of Central Australia.

Acting Superintendent Darrell Kerr said police and the Barkly Shire Council had spent most of today planning the food drops in the event they should be required.

"Ten large parcels of food and medicine will be air dropped to seven remote outstations around Alparra," Acting Superintendent Kerr said.

"The outstations have been isolated due to recent flooding and while the situation is not dire at the moment, we are co-ordinating the food drops to ensure the health and well-being of the residents of the communities. The Alparra Store has donated all the food and the Alparra Aged Care Centre has organised the supply of medication.

"Also we have been making arrangements to evacuate several aged and infirm people from Soapy Bore who will be brought into Alparra by helicopter this afternoon.

"About 200 people are in the affected areas and police and the Council have spent most of today co-ordinating the flood relief food drop. This is a fine example of forward planning and co-operation on behalf of police and the Council and those involved are to be commended.

"At present the waters are receding, however the roads to these outstations will remain hazardous for some time to come."


Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8951 8825
0419 803 603