WHY ISN’T THE MONEY FLOWING EASIER?

FAR Northern tourism businesses are desperate for a roundtable with state and federal treasurers to discuss “meaningful financial support” for their industry. They’ve also set up a petition lobbying government and so far it has garnered more than 1800 signatures.

Meanwhile, a $600m support package for Queensland businesses – announced with much fanfare – has shelled out a mere $20m across the state so far.

Advance Cairns chairman Nick Trompf estimates that’s less than $2m that has trickled to Far Northern businesses.

“That’s a drop in the ocean in terms of the challenges out there; it’s just not enough,” Mr Trompf said.

“The money needs to flow – and flow faster than it is now.”

Cairns MP Michael Healy in response said not enough businesses were applying for the grant.

Either the application process is flawed or the package isn’t the right fit – either way, $20m across the state in three weeks in an urgent situation doesn’t seem much.

The Premier and her chief health officer have been in a pressure cooker over the past week and it’s hard to see the lid lifting.

Misinformation, differences of opinion and unnecessary fearmongering is taking a toll on everyone. We want out of this whirlpool. There are empty premises everywhere and that’s because there just aren’t enough people on our streets, which has only worsened since the three-day lockdown.

For those not already closed, businesses are having to dig even deeper – but for how long can they do that?

It’s no longer a matter of cracking hardy and bunkering down.

It’s hard to tell what our region will look like on the other side of this.