Arabic version: دومادجي يواجه عزلة ممتدة مع تراجع الإمدادات
The Aboriginal community of Doomadgee in the Gulf of Carpentaria has been isolated by floodwaters for three months, with essential food and fuel supplies running dangerously low. According to ABC News, the situation has raised significant concerns for the mental health of residents as they cope with limited access to resources.
Since December 27, 2025, rising rivers have cut off all roads leading in and out of Doomadgee, a town approximately 140 kilometers east of the Northern Territory border. Community member Elijah Douglas reported that even the limited supplies flown in by plane have been quickly depleted, leaving shelves bare of basic necessities such as bread, milk, and eggs.
Recent efforts to resupply the community included six flights delivering 12,000 kilograms of stock, but the demand has outstripped supply. “There was one shipment that came in yesterday that brought in the milk and bread, but since then, the shelves have just been wiped clean,” Douglas stated, highlighting the severe scarcity of food items.
Residents are also facing a fuel shortage, restricting their ability to access bush tucker, which many rely on for sustenance. Douglas noted that there is no available diesel, and unleaded petrol is limited to $50 per person per day. This shortage complicates efforts to hunt and gather food from the surrounding land, which is crucial for many in the community.
Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council chief executive Troy Fraser expressed concern over the impact of prolonged isolation on mental health, recalling the lessons learned from previous floods. He indicated that discussions about flying in diesel have taken place, but the costs remain prohibitive for the community. Fraser has urged local government officials to prioritize Doomadgee for essential supplies as conditions continue to worsen.
In response to the crisis, Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has assured residents that their supermarket will not run out of essential goods, despite the ongoing road closures. CEQ is coordinating additional government-funded flights to ensure the community receives necessary items, including meat, water, and vegetables, as they navigate this challenging period.
