Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has taken unprecedented measures to keep its stores stocked during the recent wet weather and road cut-off crisis, with a strong focus on its ABIS Palm Island store. 
CEQ collaborated with key stakeholders including transport and government bodies to ensure minimal disruptions to supply, and actively participated in Local Disaster Management Groups and multiple forums with Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) for live updates.
CEQ General Manager (Merchandise and Supply) Casey Kelly described this as one of the most challenging events for CEQ relating to freight and logistics, with weather, floods, road and rail cuts, and barge disruptions all impacting deliveries.
“Supply into Palm Island was a massive challenge, but our freight and trade partners stepped up in a big way,” Ms Kelly said.
“We used people and ferries, planes, Palm Island Barge Company (PIBC), and Sea Swift all in the same week to ensure minimal supply disruptions.”
Former Palm Island Mayor and current CEQ Board Director Mislam Sam commended the efforts of all involved.
“The response from CEQ and its freight partners was outstanding. From flying in emergency stock and personnel to securing additional barge services, every effort was made to ensure the Palm Island community had access to essential goods,” Mr Sam said.
Palm Island Barge Company played a major role, alongside Sea Link and Simon George and Sons, in ensuring fresh produce, milk, bread, and other essentials made it into store despite the challenges. Emergency barge services and additional flights were secured to maintain stock levels.
Key milestones in the response included:
- 3 February – Emergency barge service, delivering fresh produce and bread
- 4 February – Sea Link ferry deliveries, including an 800kg of fresh produce from Simon George and Sons
- 5 February – Barge service departing from Townsville with Palm Island Barge Company delivering fresh produce, milk and groceries
- 8 February – Sea Swift barge arriving with additional grocery goods, milk, eggs, and frozen meat
- 11 February – Barge service departing from Townsville with Palm Island Barge Company, delivering gas, fresh produce, milk, meat and groceries
- 15 February – Sea Link ferry deliveries, including 390kg of fresh produce from Simon George and Sons
- 15 February – Two planes organised, delivering chiller and frozen meat
- Mid-February – Multiple freight routes re-opening, allowing a return to regular deliveries.
“CEQ’s ongoing commitment to community support was evident throughout this crisis, working closely with local and regional partners to ensure continuity of essential supplies,” Mr Sam said.
“CEQ acknowledges and thanks all partners, suppliers, and the Palm Island community for their resilience and support during this challenging period.”
CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula and on Palm Island through its 31 stores.
CEQ manages Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) stores, as well as other stores including Col Jones and Community Home and Hardware, and Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Waibene.