Cape York Weekly FREE – #122 | Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Editor: Matt Nicholls 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
INSIDE TODAY
YOUTH CRIME IN COOKTOWN Page 2
Most Cape York and all Torres Strait communities rely on sea freight, which is more expensive and requires additional on-the-ground infrastructure.
REMOTE COMMUNITIES NEED HELP
TCICA calls for freight subsidy By MATT NICHOLLS
A REPORT commissioned by a collective of remote councils has highlighted the need for an urgent freight subsidy to offset soaring cost-of-living expenses. The Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance wants the state and federal governments to
look at a freight equalisation fund that would ease pressure on those living in remote communities. A subsidy has the in-principal backing of Sea Swift and CEQ, which operates supermarkets in the Cape, Torres Strait and Gulf. In the report, which was written by Dr Shashi Karunanethy, it says that a freight equalisation subsidy
would improve health outcomes in remote communities. “Any assessment of a freight equalisation scheme should consider the value of potential government health expenditure savings and quality of life improvements, that could result from lower food security issues facilitated by a freight subsidy,” the report said.
“Ultimately, the design of the scheme should ensure that household end-consumers tangibly benefit from lower prices of goods and services. “This study also recommends a price monitoring program to ensure any scheme translates into lower cost-of-living.” Special report – Pages 4 & 5
What’s on at the Alby?
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Ni�h�
JAG THE
Tr i v i a FROM 7.30PM
5.30PM to 7.30PM CURRENT JACKPOT: $2900
JOKER
ROYSTON INTO IDOL’S TOP 12 Page 3 AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9 SHIRE WANTS CAR CHARGERS Page 6
WET WEATHER HITS REGION Page 7
FRIDAY FROM 6.30PM
Free to play with great prizes & giveaways