The construction of the new IBIS supermarket on Darnley (Erub) Island in the Torres Strait is progressing rapidly, with a grand opening planned within the next two months.
Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) this week released the latest images of the store’s construction with its improved, modern look and design.
The new store, which began construction in September last year with ground clearance and slab pouring, will include:
increased trading area
new, more efficient fridge and freezer units
expanded range of goods available to customers.
CEQ Chief Executive Officer Ian Copeland said the new supermarket is a major bonus for all Darnley Island residents and visitors to the island.
“We’re delighted to build a new IBIS store on Darnley Island to continue to provide the best possible service to the local community,” said Mr Copeland.
“We would like to thank the Traditional Owners and the PBC for their continued support for the community in making this happen.
“The architects have done a fantastic job with a new build design which captures the essence of the Torres Strait with its colour, shape and structure.”
The Darnley Island store follows a similar design concept to the new IBIS store on Horn Island, which opened last year.
“This is a community store for the community,” said Mr Copeland.
“Our aim is for the staff and people of Darnley Island to be proud of their new store, which will provide greater range, quality fruit and vegetables, and healthy food options.
“These new stores show how we are reinvesting in infrastructure to increase capacity, employment, quality, range and affordability in communities.
“This investment takes CEQ’s commitment to more than $45m of unfunded development in the past 12 years, delivering real economic outcomes in the NPA and Torres Strait.”
CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), and mainland Aboriginal remote communities through its 28 stores.
CEQ’s Corporate Office is based in Cairns, and manages Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) remote stores, as well as other stores including Col Jones and Mitre 10 on Thursday Island.
For more information, visit www.ceqld.org.au