The Walgett Council says there is hope a site for a temporary supermarket, following a fire at the town’s IGA, can be secured today.

Since Saturday’s fire corner shops, chemists, butchers and other businesses have been stocking up on basic items in order to supply the community.

Plans to re-establish the supermarket were discussed at a community meeting last night.

The shire’s general manager, Don Ramsland, says insurance assessors will visit this week and it is hoped after that there will be a clearer idea of when a temporary store can be opened.

“The search for the site for a temporary supermarket will hopefully be resolved today and once we find the site and discuss it with the loss assessors and the owners will be working to get the temporary arrangement in place as quickly as possible,” he said.

“They’ve already indicated to council they’re committed to the town and intend to rebuild.”

He says the biggest concern is the availability of “dry grocery lines”.

“That’s the breakfast cereals, tinned food, toilet tissue and those sorts of things for the local people.

“We’re particularly concerned about the more vulnerable members of the community.

“Those who don’t have transport so they can’t drive out to Lightning Ridge or Coonamble to get a weekly supply of groceries.”

Mr Ramsland says a delivery or transport service is being discussed.

“That’s in planning stages at the moment.

“Various local government agencies have been very good and we’re leaving it with those agencies to coordinate those sorts of activities in the first place if there’re any difficulties then the Local Emergency Management Committee will step in in its facilitating role and see if any alternative arrangements can be made.”