The return of the New Mapoon Community Shop will ensure locals have access to essential groceries and goods close to home. Photo: Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.
Walking over an hour under the blistering sun carrying groceries sounds exhausting, but it is a reality for many New Mapoon residents with no car and no local store.
The New Mapoon Community Shop was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the Bamaga IBIS supermarket as the only nearby option for essential groceries and household goods.
While the drive from New Mapoon to Bamaga IBIS supermarket takes mere minutes, walking to the grocery store could take residents 30-50 minutes each way, depending on which side of New Mapoon they reside.
With extremely hot weather and no public transport, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) Mayor Robert Poi Poi said restoring a local shop and supporting community convenience, food security and future employment opportunities was vital.
“The reopening of the New Mapoon Community Shop is about supporting our people and ensuring families have better local access to the essentials they need,” he said.
“Council understands how important this service is to the community, and we are committed to delivering it the right way.”
Following NPARC’s endorsement, planning is underway for the refurbishment of the shop, with officers currently finalising the project plan, budget and delivery time.
Once refurbishment planning is finalised, the New Mapoon community will be invited to hear more information about the reopening process and anticipated opening date at a community barbecue.
As a lifelong resident of New Mapoon, councillor Marlene Bond welcomed the decision, adding that the reopening would bring strong community benefits.
“This is a positive outcome for New Mapoon — something that I have been advocating to council to make happen,” she said.
“We look forward to coming out and engaging with the community as we move forward with this project.”
