With the coronavirus pandemic still in its early stages, there is an incredible amount of uncertainty surrounding just how long the crisis is going to take to play out, and how hard it is going to hit regional tourism.
With grey nomads and others being warned in no uncertain terms to cease their wanderings, the effect has been devastating for many communities and rural businesses … and it is going to be a long, hard road ahead.
According to a report in the North West Star newspaper, Outback tourism operators are expecting it to take up to 18 months for the industry to get back on its feet after the Covid-19 pandemic.
This report follows a recent teleconference between Tourism Minister Kate Jones and around 30 representatives from Outback Queensland.
Blackall-Tambo Mayor, Cr Andrew Martin, told the meeting that the lockdown on grey nomads, key attractions, and events had left many in crisis.
He asked the minister if there would be financial help to those who put their businesses in a ‘mothball’ position as they ride out this situation.
According to the North West Star, Ms Jones said her focus was to chaperone businesses in a tough time to access different levels of government support.
“We need to ensure that they have enough cash flow to survive,” she said.
Outback Queensland Tourism Association CEO, Denise Brown, reiterated that urgent financial support was needed but that the signs were hopeful.
“These outcomes never occur quickly, but I can see the wheels of government moving faster than I have ever seen in 35 years in this industry,” she said. “We need to ensure the Minister and Premier are very focussed on Outback recovery and support for tourism when we progress to ‘Recovery’ stage”.
Currently staying in s council run park in Qld.
Told there is a Federal law that only allows 12 weeks max stay
Is this so, as have move on?
Am feeling so sorry for these outback towns. They have had so much bad luck over the last few years with drought, floods and now this deadly virus. Also feeling for the other areas that have also dealt with bushfires just a few months ago. Grey nomads will be back and with a vengeance as soon as we are given the go ahead. Stay safe and healthy everyone. cheers to happier and healthier times.