STUCK IN NOMADS LAND KIRSTIN PAYNE
THE Gold Coast is bracing for a massive fallout from the lucrative grey nomad winter migration if the NSW border remains closed until September.
Council-owned caravan parks are currently at as low as 8 per cent capacity compared to a 35 per cent May average, with operators fielding cancellations.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will today visit the Gold Coast, and yesterday stood firm on her border stance. “She will always act on the advice of the state’s chief health officer,’’ her office said.
THE Gold Coast is bracing for a massive fallout from the lucrative grey nomad winter migration if the NSW border remains closed until September.
The over-50s domestic market is worth about $1.3 billion to the region each year, a chunk of it coming from Baby Boomers snaking their way up the coast in caravans for months-long stays.
“Gold Coast is a popular destination for the 50-plus market, though a typical visitor in this demographic is more likely to be travelling with extended family or as a couple during off-peak periods,” Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said.
“That said, the City of Gold Coast manages seven tourist parks in prime locations across the Coast, which are a true hidden gem for so-called grey nomads. If the current border restrictions remain in place, we know visitors throughout will predominantly be day-trippers, with the exception of Northern NSW and intrastate tourists.”
On average, council-owned caravan parks have an occupancy rate of at least 35 per cent in May and June and 45 per cent in July. They are currently at 8-11 per cent.
The expected financial impact on empty local parks cannot be calculated yet, but council officers remained optimistic.
“We have been working with councils in northern NSW to ensure we can refer our guests to each other in the event that borders remain closed so it really balances out.”
Over the border, however, River Retreat Caravan Park manager Faye Bulmer is already taking cancellations.
“Queenslanders can stay but they can’t get back,” she said.
“It is a bizarre thing and I really think the border closures are where the problems lie. We are as far north as people can come, so we might pick up the business that the Gold Coast can’t get.”
Big 4 Helensvale owner Theo Whitmont said Queensland travellers should keep them afloat.
“Of course we would love to see the borders open but we understand the Government is taking a cautious view and we respect that.”
Gold Coast Caravan Club secretary John McNamara said members had been unable to “rally” since February, meaning communities were missing out on the thousands of tourism dollars.
“It’s a little pain for a lot of gain, but for tourism businesses I can understand the frustration,” he said.
“Usually, caravaners would be on the move from down south up here.
“With the border closures our parks will miss out on that winter trade.”
Mr McNamara said the rallies could bring about $6000 to a campground a week.
The groups are expecting an increase in interest once domestic restrictions drop, with a halt on international travel and cruise ships.
THAT SAID, THE CITY OF GOLD COAST MANAGES SEVEN TOURIST PARKS IN PRIME LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COAST, WHICH ARE A TRUE HIDDEN GEM FOR SOCALLED GREY NOMADS.
ANNALIESE BATTISTA