2 May 2008
SPECIAL AIR FREIGHT CHARTER TO CHRISTMAS ISLAND
A special air freight service has been commissioned to supply essential food items to Christmas Island, Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, said today.
“Due to unfavourable weather and ocean conditions at Christmas Island’s port, there has been a delay to the shipment of freight to the Island, so a special air freight service of 15 tonnes of essential items has been arranged.
“There have also been delays with the ship which provides regular deliveries, which has been held up in Singapore due to bad weather and unexpected maintenance.
“The Attorney-General’s Department has put in place a subsidy arrangement that allows Island traders to air freight essential foodstuffs at sea freight costs which will allow consumers to pay the regular price for essential items.”
Items being sent include baby food, breakfast cereals, butter and margarine, cheese, eggs, flour, fruit, meat, poultry, fish, long life milk, rice, salt and sugar, spread, tea, coffee and vegetables.
It’s the second cargo flight of essential food staples which the Government will underwrite, as essential supplies were delivered to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands on 5 April.
The situation is being closely monitored.
The special service departed Perth today and is expected to arrive on Christmas Island this afternoon.
Media Contact: Samantha Wills 0448721372