Alice Springs KFC has been forced to close on Australia Day after running out of chicken.
KFC franchise owner Sam Edelman said the fast-food chain could not get stock because flooding in far-north South Australia closed a 250km section of the Stuart Highway.
The Stuart Highway is closed between Glendambo and Coober Pedy stranding many people and causing freight delays.
Mr Edelman said the restaurant had managed to remain open despite COVID-19-related food supply issues.
"All our chicken products are delivered fresh to us throughout the week and despite the best efforts of the transport companies and our suppliers we cannot get fresh chickens."
Mr Edelman said it was difficult to lose sales but acknowledged it was "a part of life".
"I just hope it doesn't last too long," he said.
Mr Edelman said he had 25 people rostered on throughout the day.
"Full-time staff and managers will be paid. Unfortunately, our casual staff will lose their shifts," he said.
"Even yesterday I was looking at air freighting chicken in."
Lifeline to Northern Territory
Louise Bilato, executive officer of the Northern Territory Road Transport Association, said the north–south highway was critical for the Northern Territory supply chain.
"One transport operator has 70 road trains coming into the Northern Territory each week carrying food, supplies, and mail."
Ms Bilato said these trucks were waiting in Adelaide or had stopped en route.
"Delays cost the industry significantly," she said.
"Retailers are making arrangements for supplies to come via Queensland and may need to resort to air freight for some items."
Appalling condition
Ms Bilato said people had been distracted by COVID-19.
"The Stuart Highway forms part of our national highway network and is 80 per cent funded federally," she said.
Ms Bilato said the floodwater at Glendambo, 600km north of Adelaide, was not subsiding.
"There should be money spent on remediation works to reduce the risk of flooding," she said.
A spokesperson from the South Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport said heavy rains across the far north and west of the state had caused flooding and damage to roads.
"The Stuart Highway has reopened from Port Augusta to Glendambo, however remains closed from Glendambo to Coober Pedy," they said.
