Glimmer of hope offset by concern for fellow operators
George and Aldy Johnston, centre, with their family members at Secrets on the Lake
On June 12 overnight accommodation will be allowed again in an industry that is normally thriving in the hinterland.
It’s a promising sign for many in the sector driven to the edge of a financial cliff by enforced closure.
But, while Secrets on the Lake owner Aldy Johnston said the news was good, and the phones had started to ring, she was concerned for others in her industry.
“The point is I feel for the people who aren’t as established as we are who are really going to struggle,” Ms Johnston said.
“It is a glimmer of hope but for a lot of people it’s going to be really tough. To be frank, as far as the local industry is concerned, I really don’t think we’ve been looked after.
“They really should be doing a better job of letting everyone know what we’re about. There are little accommodation places right across the hinterland that are totally isolated. People could come here and they don’t even have to talk to anyone. They would be safer here than practically anywhere else.
“This is the general feeling of frustration here on the Range where isolated places are being bulked in with places where everyone is living on top of one another. And these more isolated places are told we’re not to do anything until June 12.
“We’ve been able to build a reputation for 20-odd years, so we’re relatively lucky. We’ve got loyal customers and we will end up having a reasonable winter once we can get started. But these are people who have been coming every winter, some of them for 23 years, so we’re lucky. But for the average people who may have just bought the business, they need all the encouragement they can get. And if you have a place where people are able to self-isolate you should be able to be open now.
“I don’t blame Visit Sunshine Coast, they’re trying hard, giving us moral support. But the tourism bodies at the high end need to realise it’s not just one big business that are all the same. There are different categories and some of those categories should be able to be open right now. Especially compared to what else is being allowed to happen.”
Recipe for revival limited by the numbers
Many local businesses, including cafes and restaurants reopened from Saturday and are permitted to seat 10 people at a time.
Sunshine Coast Council said businesses should refer to the Queensland Government’s COVID Safe Checklist and other online resources before re-opening.
Council said it would assist food businesses to meet the new restrictions, mindful that business owners were facing challenging times and changing requirements. Visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/coronavirus.