Push for certainty on tourism jewel

FEDERAL Minister Stuart Robert has urged the state government to stick to the national plan on emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic after a visit with tourism and business operators on Magnetic Island.

Mr Robert, (pictured) who visited the island with Herbert MP Phillip Thompson, said the borders needed to open safely so business could get back to normal.

“Confidence is what small business operators are looking for, and that confidence comes from the national plan because it delivers the national hope that our small business needs,” he said.

The Employment, Workforce and Small and Family Business Minister said operators had struggled for long enough with low occupancy rates because of a lack of confidence and the national plan, which was agreed to by states and territories, set out how the country would emerge from the pandemic. “(People) want certainty,” Mr Robert said. “People can’t book experiences whether it’s jetskiing … or going out on boats, whether it’s going to the koala sanctuary whether it’s staying in accommodation … they need the certainty to do that.”