With the dry season approaching, the full impact of the coronavirus crisis has yet to be realised in the north where so many people rely on tourism for their livelihood.
The signs though are not good. Already, the NT News has declared that ‘Kakadu is officially fighting for its life’.
The newspaper reports that Kakadu Tourism has closed almost all of its services, with the service station being one exception.
It is a similar story in the Red Centre, where Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia has shut the vast majority of its services near Uluru.
Parks Australia announced the two national parks would close for at least the next fortnight.
As a result of Kakadu Tourism’s decision, the NT News reports that the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel and Cooinda Lodge and Camping Grounds, as well as Yellow Water Cruises and Spirit of Kakadu 4WD Adventure Tours will be closed for the foreseeable future.
Kakadu Tourism chair Rick Allert said the decision to stop operations for tourists was made to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable indigenous communities in Kakadu National Park and to support government directives regarding non-essential travel.
“As a fully indigenous-owned business, our first priority is the health and wellbeing of our staff and the population within Kakadu National Park,” Mr Allert said. “The decision to close our facilities was a very difficult one as we rely heavily on the upcoming peak dry season to sustain the business throughout the year.”
He warned that the decision will have significant financial and employment implications for businesses in Kakadu.
Tourism Minister Lauren Moss said it was a tough time for all operators.
“It is unfortunate both parks have been closed but the priority is the health of Territorians and visitors,” she said.
It is not yet clear when these facilities will re-open.
