CEQ nutritionist Georgia Day discusses baby food options with a customer as the remote supermarket operator announces a $500,000 commitment to “mirror or better” the prices of major players like Woolworths and Coles. Photo: Supplied.
Remote supermarket operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has announced a $500,000 commitment it says will help the hip pockets of shoppers across Cape York and the Torres Strait.
CEQ will invest a further $500,000 in price reductions from now until 1 July to help customers with cost of living pressures for all of its stores, including those in the northernmost part of Queensland.
Prices in remote stores will now “mirror or better” major supermarket online prices on essential grocery items to ensure greater affordability for families and individuals on their weekly shop.
The price reductions, after current discounts have been applied at CEQ checkouts, will cover a wide range of essential items, including mince, bread, pasta, chicken, eggs, milk, flour, baby food and women’s hygiene products.
CEQ Chairperson Joann Schmider said the initiative reinforced the organisation’s role in caring for the communities it served.
“This significant investment further demonstrates CEQ’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that people in remote North Queensland have access to affordable and essential groceries,” Ms Schmider said.
“We understand the financial pressures that many families face, and this initiative aligns with CEQ’s vision … by making a real difference in the cost of living for our customers.”
Chief executive officer Michael Dykes said CEQ was proud to be setting a new standard in price competitiveness for remote communities, and applauded the efforts of state and federal governments in doing likewise.
The Albanese government announced on 10 February it would lock the cost of the 30 products to match city pricing in more than 70 remote stores if it retained power following this year’s federal election, while a State Government review into the Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme is being completed.
“Matching or beating major supermarket prices on key grocery items is a major achievement for CEQ, and it highlights our commitment to reducing the financial strain on our customers,” Mr Dykes said.
“I also want to recognise our board and chairperson for keeping customer issues close to their hearts and taking positive action.”
