Housing shortage will hamper ‘work in paradise’ scheme

It may sound attractive, but Port Douglas could be the loser in the state government’s Work in Paradise initiative because of a dearth of housing for out-of-towners.

In a bid to entice thousands of Australians to fill the work shortage gap, the state government earlier this month announced a $7.5 million package to address a critical shortage of workers at tourism businesses in regional Queensland.

“In addition to the $1500 cash incentive for jobseekers to relocate for employment in the tourism industry, we’re also offering a $250 travel bonus to help workers to travel there,” said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Two leading Port Douglas realtors said the shortage is very much apparent. To compound the problem, many of the available rentals are not in the heart of the town and the weekly rent is steep ($370-$400) for a casual worker.    

Rentals are tight and demand exceeds supply, said Alan Crossman, Principal and Licensee, Property Shop Port Douglas and Mossman.

“There are currently 25-odd properties for let, but about half of these are not in Port Douglas. Unless workers have transport then the out-of-town properties are not an option.

“Some employers are considering buying properties - or already have done so - to accommodate staff. This is a good option for employers (if they can afford it) as it solves this staffing problem for them in the short and medium term. But I advise them to move quickly. Investors and owner occupiers are also looking and buying so there is competition,” said Crossman.

David Cotton, Raine and Horne Port Douglas Director and Licensee, confirmed the housing shortage and people wanting to re-locate in Port Douglas will have limited options. There is the backpacker hostel or shared accommodation.

“There is definitely a housing/accommodation shortage in Port Douglas at the moment. This has been evident since the start of the year with many of our rental properties having several applications on each property. 

“We recently held an open home for a four-bedroom house and 23 groups went through the house with the intention of renting it. Unfortunately only one group wins,” said Cotton.

Cotton said he has properties available in Mossman/Cooya/Newell and Wonga.

“However, this doesn’t suit a lot of hospitality workers as they would prefer to be closer to the main street of Port Douglas, and near the restaurants and Marina.”

It has been reported the hospitality and restaurant industry are desperate for workers, but the problem is a lack of accommodation for staff. Coupled to this, many workers, who wanted to work in the port, left because there was nowhere to stay.

Coupled to this, restaurants have been forced to open fewer days and nights, while hotels and resorts are in need of room attendants, among other jobs.

The majority of any housing development currently in progress won’t assist the short-term problem.

One such example is the land development at New Port Estate at Craiglie. In the long term it will certainly help the accommodation shortage, but it’s too early to address the short-term challenge.