Jobs disappear as business hit
MORE than 30 jobs have already been lost as Townsville’s tourism industry takes a major hit, with business set to bleed millions as thousands cancel travel plans.
Townsville Enterprise, through information provided by 100 regional tourism operators, revealed the damage bill hit $1.18 million and more than 5000 people cancelled travel plans within 48 hours of the Federal Government banning mass gatherings and cruise ships from docking, causing the cancellation of major events and significant reduction in flights.
The sobering figures have prompted Townsville Enterprise chief executive Patricia O’callaghan to warn there was “no doubt” the region would come out the other end of this pandemic with a “restructured tourism industry and a new state of normal”.
“As we navigate our way through these extraordinary times, Townsville Enterprise is keeping up its advocacy efforts to all levels of government with the message that cash is king and support packages must keep doors open and people in jobs,” she said.
“Right now as our region braces for continued economic uncertainty, every dollar counts and cash flow is critical to ensure job security across our community.”
The State Government this week announced a $500 million interest-free loan facility to provide up to $250,000 to Queensland business for up to 12 months, on top of a $27 million assistance package for small businesses launched last month. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday announced a $715 million relief package to save Australia’s airlines, on top of the Federal Government’s staggering $17.6 billion war chest to fight the economic impacts of coronavirus.
On Wednesday, the coronavirus pandemic pushed the Reserve of Bank of Australia to cut interest rates to a historic low of 0.25 per cent and announced it would provide $90 billion at 0.25 per cent over three years to banks if they lend cash to small
Advertisement and medium-sized businesses. The Federal Government topped that up with an extra $15 billion.
Just before the RBA’S announcement the Australian dollar plunged to its lowest level since October 2002, trading at 55.08 US cents.
Townsville Enterprise data revealed future bookings for “almost all” tourism operators had fallen below 20 per cent as the region’s events calendar, which was the most robust it had been due to the opening of the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, was torn up.
But Townsville is still open for business.
“The cancellations are continuing and we urge the community who are healthy and not in isolation to support our region’s businesses and jobs by buying local, eating local or enjoying our beautiful local region,” Ms O’callaghan said.