‘Rescue package’ for tourism industry

The recently announced four per cent berthing hike to be imposed on Crystalbrook Marina boat owners on 1 October is a further setback to an already struggling tourism industry in Port Douglas and many operators view this as a low blow at the worst possible time.

In a letter to berth holders, Crystalbrook conceded this is a particularly difficult decision in light of the challenging times we are all facing due to the current and ongoing pandemic.

They added: “However we do note that the last rate increase occurred in 2019 and the Marina’s fixed costs such as Insurance and Council Rates continue to significantly increase.”

Crystalbrook refused to comment any further today when approached by Newsport.

But Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said this is another nail in the coffin for businesses trying to keep their heads above water (pun intended).

“It is unfortunate it has come at this time. Businesses need all the help they can get and would not have budgeted for this increase. It will be particularly hard on small businesses,” said Kerr.

Tony Fyfe, CEO of Hemingway’s Brewery and Far North Sports Fishing, said “it’s a real kick in the guts for the day charter operators who are already 90% down on revenue.”

Steve Edmondson, owner operator of Sailaway, meanwhile, said the increase could be an annual rise of anywhere from $5-10,000 and upwards for some of the berth holders.

Crystalbrook does not reveal how many berth holders are affected, the number of boats and sizes in the marina and their berthing fees.

And while Edmondson concedes this is not great news, he says tourism should not take all the pain and the hike is bad timing.

In responding to the state and federal governments’ inability to save the tourism industry in Far North Queensland, the enterprising Edmondson provided an overview or ‘rescue package’ of the support the industry believes should be provided by the state and federal governments.

Mr Edmondson said the following points had been discussed amongst the industry:

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WHERE STATE GOV CAN SUPPORT:

Work in Paradise Incentive Scheme - Relax the criteria for crew to be eligible. Staff moved to Port Douglas, a regional area to get work and applied for this scheme but they must have eight weeks’ continuous work and a minimum of 20 hours work a week. We employed staff who were eligible for the scheme at the beginning of their employment and now they have little or no work and are not eligible. This is funding that State Government have allocated and the majority of casual and young employees will now miss out on this payment.

Wages support - For businesses demonstrating more than 60 per cent impact in turnover, from travel restrictions and border closers. Need a JobSaver or similar assistance to allow businesses to retain staff when there is no work due to no customers.

Work Cover - Reduce the compulsory Work Cover payments for staff insurance. Currently 2.95% of wages. Due in September.

Marina Rebate – Match the discounts and assistance provided to State-owned marinas to privately owned. Marina’s Government supported enterprise has received significantly more incentives from the State than the privately owned Marinas. No doubt this wider form of relief has led the Cairns Marina being able to pass these financial benefits to its customers in the form of reduced charges. Our Port Douglas Marina is privately owned and getting no support from the State. A Marina Rebate to operators needs to be proportionate to their costs/berths.

WHERE FEDERAL GOV CAN SUPPORT:

Immediate Tax relief - BAS (Business Activity Statements). Implement the COVID CASH FLOW BOOST WITH ATO. This gives businesses immediate support to manage their liability i.e. staff and ongoing operations, overheads.

Wages support - For businesses demonstrating more than 60 per cent impact in turnover, from travel restrictions and border closers. Need a JobSaver or similar assistance to allow businesses to retain staff when there is no work due to no customers.

Fair Work - Provide enabling directions for Employers to offer reduced hours to full time employees to avoid redundancies which will affect the business capability of recovering when no trained skilled staff in place.

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Newsport has reached out for comment from Cynthia Lui, State Member for Cook; Warren Entsch, Federal Member for Leichhardt; Tara Bennett, CEO, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree.

<link august marina-boat-owners-slugged-with-4-berthing-hike>RELATED: Marina boat owners slugged with 4% berthing hike