Edward River
Location
Pormpuraaw, a remote community of about 600 people, is on the western side of Cape York Peninsula, about midway between Weipa and Karumba. It lies between Aurukun Shire (to the north) and Kowanyama Shire (to the south), and was established as a shire in 2004.
History
In 1938 the Church of England began the Edward River mission for Aborigines and in 1967 transferred control to the Queensland Department of Aboriginal and Islander Affairs. The mission's superintendant between 1957 and 1962 was the father of Dr Heather Beattie (nee Halliday), later wife of Peter Beattie, the Premier of Queensland (1998-2007).
The name of the mission was changed to Pormpuraaw in 1987, but the area continued as an Anglican parish.
In addition to cattle raising Pormpuraaw has a commercial crocodile breeding farm since 1969, with most of the animals being sold as juveniles to be grown elsewhere for meat and leather.
Restrictions
Restrictions on the type and quantity of liquor that can be brought into various remote indigenous communities have been gradually implemented in Queensland.
Alcohol Management Plans have been developed by Community Justice Groups and contain recommendations for declaring all or part of a community area either a 'Restricted Area' and/or a 'Dry Place'.
People who live in, or are planning to visit, travel through or pass near a community which they feel may have restrictions should ensure they are aware of the laws. Bag checks can and will happen and severe fines apply if people are caught.
For detailed information by community visit the Queensland State Government website
Medical
The Far Northern regional Health Authority operates the Pormpuraaw Primary Health Clinic which is open during business hours on Monday to Saturday and after hours for emergencies. There is no doctor or dentist within town. The Royal Flying Doctor Service attends once a week and the dentist once every two to three months. The Royal Flying Doctor will also attend for emergencies. The hospital operates with four registered nurses and four locally recruited health workers.
Shopping
There are two shops within the town. One is operated six days a week and owned by the Department of Family Services. The other shop is smaller and operates on a limited basis and is owned by the Anglican Church.
Fresh fruit, vegetables and milk come in weekly via truck during the dry and barge or plane during the wet season.
Petrol can be purchased from the council workshop during business hours.
Accommodation
There is a guesthouse within the village which is used mainly by itinerant contractors and public servants.
There is two official camping areas, (both with septic and showers) one at the mouth of the Mungkan River, one at the mouth of the Chapman River at either end of the Pormpuraaw airstrip.
Other Pormpuraaw Services available:
- Store (food & general items)
- Post Office
- Primary Health Care Centre
- Library & Indigenous Knowledge Centre
- Primary School
- Anglican Church
- Basic Mechanical repairs
For more information contact the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council 4060 4600.