Business demands border opening

CAIRNS businesses are calling on the State Government to commit to a July 10 border reopening or preferably earlier.

Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive Patricia O’Neill said findings from the most recent Suncorp-CCIQ Pulse survey showed 90 per cent of businesses revealed sales and revenue projections had fallen as a result of the restrictions with Cairns businesses hurting.

“If realised, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland predicts that the turnover of small businesses could collapse by up to $27 billion during the June quarter,” she said. “Cairns is especially exposed due to the economy being heavily reliant on accommodation, hospitality and tourism industries. “Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, including the ongoing border closures, are severely inhibiting the survival of business in this regional town.

“Businesses cannot afford the uncertainty anymore, we need the Premier to commit to a July 10 (or earlier) reopening date, so we can gear up and prepare to get our businesses back up and running. “Committing to the date and stating the borders will be open will allow visitors time to plan and book while allowing the entire supply chain the chance to be ready to welcome them. We would also like to see an immediate easing of the 20 persons limit per section/venue and allow businesses to operate under the COVID safe 4 sqm instead.

“Having patron limits is unviable for many businesses. It is causing more financial strain and stress on businesses and putting more at risk of closing, which will see more staff out of work and in the unemployment line.”