‘Nightmare’ outage hurts businesses

PORT Douglas businesses are counting the cost of a “diabolical” Telstra outage that forced many to turn customers away this week.

EFTPOS machines, ATMs and online booking systems were rendered “useless” on Wednesday and Thursday after extensive cable damage was reported 3km from the Port Douglas exchange.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said while the outage was significant, the region was counting its blessings it didn’t occur during Carnivale, which starts on May 14.

“It would have been diabolical had this happened during Carnivale,” he said.

“The extra staff that all the businesses will be putting on, the extra tourists we have here ... business would have been completely gutted.

“The scenario of that playing out during Carnivale would have been a disaster, an absolute nightmare for us.”

Business owner Chris Bradsworth, from Bambooshak, said problems with

Telstra connectivity were “constant” for many in the tourist town.

His business was forced to turn away customers who didn’t have cash.

“I will guarantee you that thirdworld countries get better service than we do up here,” he said.

“I’m a believer of our town retaining that sleepy town charm, but not when it comes to doing business.”

Cr Kerr said there was “no doubt” people were left short-changed because of the outage.

Doctors’ surgeries couldn’t access patient information and pathology services were devoid of data during the height of the blackout.

A Telstra spokesman said the delay in the cable’s repair was due to the “extensive damage”.

“People couldn’t even get cash out and, because we have become so reliant on card and not cash because of COVID, it made things worse,” Cr Kerr said.

“Everyone lost money. If people can’t take forward bookings it made businesses question whether it was even worth opening.”