Resupply of isolated remote communities

The Northern Territory Government provides resupply support to declared community stores to resupply remote communities during periods of unexpected disruption, particularly during the wet season.

This support helps ensure communities continue to access essential goods when normal supply chains are affected by events such as flooding, road closures or other extraordinary circumstances.

When resupply support is available

Support may be provided when a remote community is affected by:

• Unexpected prolonged isolation: extended road closures or access restrictions beyond what is normally expected.
• Extraordinary circumstances: events such as severe weather or other disruptions that interrupt supply or cause stock loss.
• Food security risks: situations where essential goods are running low due to weather related impacts or prices are becoming unsustainably high.

Who can access support

Resupply support is primarily available to:

• declared community stores under the NT Remote Stores Program (Food Act 2004)
• stores in remote communities experiencing supply disruptions.

In exceptional circumstances, non-declared stores may also be considered.

How support works

Freight subsidy (Resupply Support Grant)

Eligible stores can receive financial assistance to cover additional freight costs needed to deliver essential goods.

• Applies to air, barge or road freight.
• Designed to support, not replace, existing commercial supply arrangements.
• Grant managed by the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR).

Eligibility requirements

To receive support, stores must demonstrate:

• the community is experiencing prolonged isolation or disruption
• there is a risk to food security
• the store is a declared community store
• normal resupply options are not viable or too costly
• the store has engaged with NT Government (e.g. critical goods survey)
• the store has shown wet season preparedness.

Each application is assessed on its individual circumstances.

What can be resupplied

Support applies only to approved essential goods PDF (439.9 KB), which are items critical to community health and wellbeing.

• Orders must follow the essential goods list.
• Non-essential items are not covered.
• The list is updated periodically to reflect community needs.

How to apply

Applications for resupply support are:

• invitation-based
• submitted through GrantsNT
• supported with evidence of:
  • isolation impacts
  • stock levels
  • freight costs

Detailed guidance is available in the NT Resupply Manual PDF (1.2 MB).

Conditions of support

When receiving NT Government resupply support:

• Stores must arrange their own orders and freight.
• The most efficient freight option should be used.
• Proof of delivery is required.
• Funding is paid directly to the store.
• Government support does not replace commercial arrangements.

Policy framework

This program operates under the Essential Goods and Services Act 1981, which allows the NT Government to act when communities face shortages of essential goods.

More information

For further details, including application processes and guidance materials, refer to:

• NT Resupply Manual PDF (1.2 MB)
• Remote stores resources and guidance

Or contact:

Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
EmergencyManagement.DTBAR@nt.gov.au
Phone: 08 8999 7891