Concern is growing for hundreds of people who fled an isolated community in far north Queensland following a violent riot on New Year’s Day.

January 10, 2020

Concern is growing for hundreds of people who fled an isolated community in far north Queensland following a violent riot sparked by an alleged murder.

Homes 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.

Police flooded Aurukun after the riots, but their presence wasn’t enough to prevent about 230 fearful people fleeing to a nearby bush camp and a neighbouring town.

About 110 people continue to hide out in the 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 east of Aurukun, straining food supplies, accommodation and the local medical service.

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

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

Officers on the ground continue to collaborate with Aurukun community leaders and elders to improve safety and security, a Queensland Police Service spokesman said.

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

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

The housing and public works department is working to provide accommodation, while two justice department officers are providing 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.