Bigger bubble blows in wind
MOMENTUM is gathering for a north Queensland travel bubble to be implemented by June 12 with advocates adding a surprise proposal to the plan.
Industry leaders met with the State Government yesterday to submit and discuss the urgent plan including whether to extend the bubble to communities south to Rockhampton and Bundaberg.
They are also making a recommendation to allow 50 diners into restaurants, cafes and pubs, which could adhere to the 4sqm rule.
TOURISM leaders met representatives of the Premier’s office yesterday to submit and discuss the key features of the north Queensland travel bubble plan and there was an added twist.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said one of the new issues being explored was if communities in Central Queensland and the Southern Great Barrier Reef region (Bundaberg to Rockhampton) could be included in the ‘bubble’.
“If we can help out more of Queensland, then we’ll definitely look at that,” he said.
Originally it was proposed that tourism bodies from four North Queensland regions would join forces to plea for unrestricted travel throughout the north, but Mr Olsen said the plan was asking for more.
The recommendations put forward also included allowing 50 diners into restaurants, cafes and pubs who could adhere to the 4 sqm rule as well as unrestricted travel throughout North Queensland by June 12.
Mr Olsen wanted to see unrestricted travel throughout all of Queensland by June 26, in time for the state’s school holidays, and by July 12, he’d like to see the borders reopen.
“We’re seeing operators receiving cancellations for the June-July school holidays because we don’t have that certainty,” Mr Olsen said.
“At this stage, we might not even have Queenslanders travelling here for the JuneJuly school holidays, let alone the interstate travellers.”
Mr Olsen said the majority of the Far North’s interstate visitors travelled to the region between June and August.
“That’s why we need a decision to be made on this sooner rather than later. People are trying to book for the holidays now and we don’t want to miss out on their plans for this year. Everyday that we delay costs the region $10 million.”
Speaking after a “very positive meeting”, Mr Olsen said the only concerns raised were about the size of the bubble.
“I now look forward to speaking with the Premier tomorrow, but it was a very positive discussion today,” he said.
“I feel confident the Premier will allow a staged approach that will benefit this region.”
Cairns MP Michael Healy said he would be part of the meeting with the Premier today and was all for the plan.
“I’m very supportive of this and I can’t wait to discuss the plan to see how we can benefit our region.
“It’s a very unique situation and we have very sensible people working together on this.”
Far Northern tour operators have welcomed the idea of the bubble, but say it would only help slow the damage.
The CaPTA Group managing director Peter Woodward said the bubble would be a step in the right direction.
“We’re planning on reopening June 13 just for a few days a week. I think we’re still a long way off being profitable, even with the bubble, but it’s about saying ‘hey we’re open’.
“Having the bubble will mean we get a step closer to reopening the borders. I think the longer we wait, the harder it will be for some businesses.”
Experience Co general manager Adam Jones said his firm was planning on reopening “in the next few weeks” but wasn’t sure when the financial pain would stop.
“The more people we can attract, the more beneficial it’s going to be. 250km is pretty limiting,” he said when asked if the bubble would help.
“But it’s hard to say how many people will actually travel and, for the time being, it’s about reducing our losses.”
Cairns Airport’s chief commercial aviation officer Luis Perez said the airport supported any proposal that got people back into the region.
“We will support the freedom of traffic, we will support any policies that encourage people to travel again,” he said.
This included the creation of an international travel bubble with New Zealand.
“The aviation business wants to get back as soon as possible but it has to be done in a manner that makes sense.”