Region now at a critical stage

IT’S now critical that the Far North’s multibillion-dollar tourism sector opens for business.

Analysis by economist Bill Cummings has laid bare the true extent of the jobless rate in the region, tripling from 6 per cent to 18 per cent, double the national average.

He estimates by the end of May it could be 25 per cent.

It is terrifying to think what the number will be when JobKeeker cuts out in September and if the Queensland borders remain closed until September too.

The latest Dransfield Hotel Futures report finds strong evidence the domestic tourism market will more than make up the shortfall in overseas visitors on a national scale.

But that is nationally, and if Queensland’s interstate border closures persist to September, it will cause massive issues in Cairns.

At least Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has agreed to consider a plan by north Queensland tourism bodies to create a bubble to allow inter-regional travel but that is not for another week.

Furthermore it appears NSW and Victoria will get the jump on Queensland with New Zealanders being able to travel to Australia soon.

New Zealand was the second biggest source of tourists to the sunshine state, behind China, with nearly 500,000 holiday-makers a year. The Far North draws about 40,000.

With the peak tourism season upon us the domestic market and the the Kiwis are essential to us.

The situation is now dire, Premier.

Nick Dalton Deputy editor