Police have charged more people following murder-fuelled riots and the destruction of six homes in an isolated community on Cape York.

January 9, 2020

More people have been charged following murder-fuelled riots and the destruction of six homes in an isolated community in far north Queensland. 

The houses were firebombed on New Year’s Day when a mob of about 200 armed people took to the streets of Aurukun on Cape York looking for “vengeance”.

The violence followed the alleged stabbing murder of a 37-year-old man, for which two teens have been charged, police say.

Another 19 people were charged on Thursday with 79 riot and arson offences bringing the total number of people charged following the riots to 25.

Police flooded the community after the riots but it hasn’t been enough to prevent hundreds of fearful people fleeing to a nearby bush camp and a neighbouring town.

“These are innocent people frightened for their lives,” a support worker told AAP on the condition of anonymity.

“No one wants to speak out, otherwise they will be targeted.”

About 110 people are hiding out in a bush camp about 80km from Aurukun

A community group is helping to feed, shelter and look after their sanitation needs, however, concern is growing for their health.

“About 30 per cent are kids, we had a child with a high temperature overnight,” camp coordinator Tim White said.

“It’s day nine and we still have (people hiding out).” 

Another 130 people have fled to the tiny town of Coen, about six hours west of Aurukun, straining food supplies, accommodation and the local medical service.

Queensland Police Service said it continues to collaborate with community leaders and elders in the Aurukun community to improve safety and security.

However, Aurukun remains on “code black” for Queensland Health staff, which means there is a personal threat to the safety of health workers. 

The state government said former Aurukun Shire Council CEO Mr Gary Kleidon has been called in to coordinate the government’s response.

The department of housing and public works is also working to provide accommodation.

The department of justice has sent two officers to the town to provide support for mediation.

“Queensland government agencies are monitoring the situation in the camps to ensure health care, sanitation, food and water needs are met,” the government said in a statement.