Keeping marina afloat
BUSINESSES based at the Far North’s ports have received a cash splash from the Queensland Government to keep their doors open longer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government has announced a $2.86 million package to support local businesses in the tourism, resources and seafood sector with rental relief, via six-month rebates for property tenants starting April 1.
The funding comes on top of $3 million already announced in February for operators at Cairns Marlin Marina.
Ports North will also provide a rebate to Cairns-based commercial fishers operating out of the fishing basins for the same six-month period.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said, in addition, previously announced rebates for commercial tourism and reef operators would also be extended by a further two months to September 30.
“The government is talking to industry groups and businesses every day to understand the challenges they are facing,” he said.
“The initial package extended support to tourism and reef businesses who operated from the Cairns Port.
“This announcement extends that support to businesses that are significantly impacted by COVID-19 operating out of the industrial and freight cargo areas plus provides rebates to hotels within Cityport to allow them to support their cafes and restaurant subtenants.”
Ports North will be negotiating directly with impacted tenants over the coming weeks regarding the details of the new relief package.
One of the beneficiaries is Salt House restaurant, at the Cairns marina, which is only operating as a takeaway venue.
Restaurant owner Fintan Rafferty said the funding would allow the business to keep paying rent to Ports North.
“We’ve been using our time wisely by doing some renovations,” he said.
“We’ve taken out a whole kitchen and we’ve redone our floors and the outdoor bar.
“We’re here at the moment refurbishing and repainting our furniture.
“We’re also using our staff for this as well, just trying to get through this without going crazy.”