The devastation caused by Cyclone Ita in far north Queensland is a chilling reminder of just how vulnerable grey nomads and other travellers are to the vagaries of Mother Nature.
The state is likely to face a damage bill of up to one billion dollars after the wild weather ravaged infrastructure and major industries. And, while sugarcane and banana plantations were the worst hit, Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said one of the biggest impacts would be a loss of tourist numbers.
“Wall-to-wall coverage of inclement weather tends to have an impact on the entire Great Barrier Reef industry,” Mr Gschwind said. “With Easter and the Anzac Day weekend coming up, we’re keen for people to understand the geography of Queensland.”
As bad as it was, the impact of Ita – which was a Category 5 at one stage – was expected t be far worse as it bore down on the beautiful city of Cooktown.
Cooktown Caravan Park owner John Noonan ordered all caravans and campers out of his park as the cyclone approached, and .National Parks Minister Steve Dickson ordered the closure of all camp grounds and day use areas from Townsville to Cape York.
While the full extent of the damage in these areas has yet to be assessed, Mr Dickson said it might take weeks or even months for rangers to restore access and to repair facilities.
For many in the north, Cyclone it brought back horrific memories of Cyclone Yasi which devastated the areas around the grey nomad favourites of Mission Beach and Cardwell in 2011.
What’s the worst Mother Nature has thrown at you on your travels? Does the weather pay a big part in your trip planning? Comment below.
If they “ordered all caravans out of the psrk” where exavtly did they go to ride out yhe cyclone?
Hi Gail, while I’m not sure where John asked them to go, all tourists left Cooktown and those that didn’t probably stayed at the Cyclone Shelter. I spoke with all caravan park operators days before the cyclone crossed the coast. The only tourists that were in town were the media 😉