Residents of North Stradbroke Island, the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) and Coochiemudlo Island are facing a sharp rise in grocery costs after Woolworths announced a new $20 delivery service fee for island orders starting 3 February 2026.
The change affects subscribers to Woolworths’ Delivery Unlimited service, which previously allowed free delivery once a minimum spend was met.
On top of the $25 delivery fee or membership fee, Woolworths intend to charge islanders an extra $20 service fee plus $2 on weekends.
The SMBI — including Russell, Lamb, Macleay, and Karragarra Islands — and Coochie have no local Woolworths supermarkets, leaving online delivery as the primary option for many residents.
North Stradbroke currently has a Foodworks at Pt Lookout and a SPAR Express at Dunwich.
Russell Island has an IGA supermarket while Macleay has a SPAR.
All the other islands have no close access to a supermarket.
Islanders have long absorbed higher costs for essentials and surcharges, and this latest fee increase is seen as another financial burden.
“This isn’t about convenience. It hits older residents, families juggling work and care, and anyone without easy access to the mainland,” said one concerned resident.
Delivery availability has also been impacted.
While Woolworths confirmed services will continue, delivery windows have been reduced to just one to three days per week depending on the island, raising fears of limited access and long waiting times for slots.
Online reactions from the SMBI community have been strong.
Residents are questioning the fairness of the changes and exploring alternatives such as local IGA stores or private delivery services.
One Russell Island resident commented, “If a yearly subscription no longer guarantees free delivery, what exactly are we paying for?”
Woolworths has said the adjustments reflect logistical constraints but emphasized that deliveries will continue.
