- Premier Steven Miles lifting discount on essential goods in remote communities to 20 per cent.
- Discount available on eligible essential goods, like milk and bread, at participating retailers to help relieve cost of living pressures.
- Recognition of increased costs of Queensland’s remote communities, associated with freight transport to the region.
Premier Steven Miles is doing what matters for Queensland’s remote communities – today announcing a major uplift in the Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme.
The discount on essential goods will increase from 5.2 per cent to 20 per cent.
That means the cost of essentials, like milk, bread, fruit and vegetables and detergent will be reduced by 20 per cent – reducing inflation on the cost of goods, generally associated with freight.
For example, a one litre bottle of detergent in the region can cost up to 12 per cent higher than that charged at a similar size retail store in Cairns.
If the bottle of detergent cost $3.46 at full price in the region, it would come down to $2.77 with the subsidy applied.
A two-litre bottle of milk, that may cost, on average, $5.40 at full price in the region, would come down to $4.32 with the subsidy applied.
The scheme is about driving down the cost of essential goods by putting money directly back in the pockets of locals at the checkout.
About 32 retailers across the Cape York, Torres Strait and Gulf regions have signed up to participate in the scheme.
The 20 per cent discount will come into effect later this year, after engagement with retailers.
The government will continue to engage with retailers on effective implementation, and to encourage additional retails to participate in the scheme.
The discount excludes alcohol, tobacco, soft drinks confectionery, hardware, clothing, fuel, furniture and whitegoods.
