Planes and barges come to supermarkets’ rescue

Broome’s two supermarkets have resorted to the air and the sea in a desperate measure to replenish shelves.

With the Great Northern Highway expected to remain closed in a number of locations over the weekend, Coles will fly 12 tonnes of produce and dairy to the tourist town tomorrow, comprising 15 pallets of fruit and vegetables and dozens of boxes of milk.

The stock will arrive tomorrow afternoon and be delivered to Broome, as well as Kununurra in the East Kimberley.

While Coles are looking to the skies, Woolworths will ship fresh produce on a barge from Port Hedland, also set to arrive tomorrow.

Both stores have an abundance of staples, such as water, tinned food, long-life milk and pasta and will remain in contact with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Main Roads WA, with trucks ready to depart when roads re-open.

A Woolworths spokesperson said a truck is ready with stock to be delivered to Derby store once the highway re-opened.