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Shops running out of food in north-west Qld

By David Lewis, Tuesday February 7, 2012 - 09:42 EDT

Supermarkets across the north-west Queensland are running low on certain foods due to road closures from floodwaters

The Flinders Highway is still closed between Richmond and Julia Creek, east of Mount Isa, but locals are hoping it reopens later today.

At least one cafe in Mount Isa has reduced its operating hours.

Woolworths spokesman Benedict Brook says they have stocked up on non-perishable items like bottled water, months in advance.

"This time of year it's quite regular for there to be some flooding so we do have stock of non-perishable products available should there be a few roads flooded and difficulties in deliveries coming through," he said.

"At the moment, those haven't had to be touched."

Richmond Shire Council chief executive officer Michelle Clarke says bread and milk have been hard to find at Richmond because floodwaters have disrupted freight companies.

She says they are hoping the water drops sufficiently so the highway can reopens later today or tomorrow for high-clearance vehicles.

"We've had a shortage of bread supplies," she said.

"With the road being closed at Mount Isa, the trucks won't come this way.

"We've had a limited supply available from the Hughenden bakery but you have to be quick to get a loaf of bread.

"The milk situation - we were out over the weekend of milk supplies but the shop did get a fresh supply in yesterday."

- ABC

© ABC 2012