The economic benefits that grey nomads bring to rural regions are often talked about in abstract terms … but it’s not always easy to quantify the exact impact the ‘grey dollar’ has in small communities.
Sadly, the benefits travellers bring is often only truly appreciated when they are gone, and the hole they leave in rural economies becomes obvious.
Certainly, the owner of Darby’s Fresh Bake stores, Victor De Vries, is fully appreciative of the importance of grey nomad visitors. Ten of his stores, located in the Queensland communities of Toowoomba, Dalby, Charlton, Gatton, Oakey and North Ipswich, have just been forced to closed their doors … and Mr De Vries is in no doubt of the reason why.
“The state has been in bad times since the floods and the rains,” he told the Chronicle newspaper. “There just isn’t the tourists, backpackers and grey nomads like there used to be … all of a sudden people aren’t coming to Queensland any more.”
The closure of the stores – which are well known for their $2.50 pies and budget bakery items – means more than 50 people will lose their jobs
Mr De Vries said the “tough times” had forced his hand.
“Last year it was a profitable business, but since September it has gone quiet,” he said.
“I think it is a reflection of the state of the economy.”
Have you eaten at Darby’s Fresh Bake? Did the floods put you off visiting Queensland? Do you make an effort to spend money in the rural communities you visit? Comment below.
Unfortunately some regional towns are now discouraging grey nomads from towns … I know Ravenshoe Qld has had issues with council closing the the local camping area and the shop keepers over ruling the council to re-open it but that battle still goes on in many communities. When I travel I always spend dollars in the local region .
We enjoyed a wonderful caravanning trip through outback Queensland last year.. However the condition of the roads was a big turn off for us and I doubt that we will return anytime in the near future. Stories of broken springs, draw bars and suspensions were common. It will be a huge undertaking to upgrade these roads and I understand the Qld Govt is short of funds.
Dozza WA
None of the towns mentioned as having to have the bakery closed are Grey Nomad locations. Maybe it’s something to do with 15,000 public servants and 6,000 miners losing their jobs. Mr Newman isn’t finished yet as my mother in Ipswich rang this morning and said 30 Home Helpers lost their jobs Wednesday. Maybe it’s our unemployment rate and uncertain jobs future that’s the problem