Housing Crisis: Businesses call for action: Our international reputation is at risk
Now is the time to act, according to business leaders, horrified by the impact of the housing crisis
Businesses are struggling to keep their doors open, as workers struggle to afford to live in Port Douglas. So serious is the crisis that there are real fears our international reputation is at risk as travellers simply can’t buy dinner.
So frustrated are businesses that they are taking the initiative to buy or lease apartments and reaching out to the government to work cooperatively to find long-term solutions.
“The financial cost of this housing crisis on businesses is huge,” Craig Watson, Peninsula Hotel said. “But the biggest cost is to the town as tourists are leaving with a bad impression of Port Douglas. Our international reputation is at stake”.
No home, no job
In the days when businesses make employment decisions based on accommodation, you recognise the depth of the crisis.
“Last week I interviewed eight people. I offered three interviewees a job, based on if they had accommodation. 100% they were offered the position as they had a secure home,” Harry Michael, Hemingway's Brewery said.
Businesses can’t operate at full capacity
In a survey of local businesses, conducted by Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, out of the twenty respondents there was one strong theme. “Businesses are not operating at full capacity as there is a lack of staff directly resulting from lack of accommodation availability,” Tara Bennett reported. “Unfortunately, it’s clear what the problem is; the solution is a tough one.”
That’s confirmed by two of our largest hospitality services. Hemingway's Brewery has reduced the lunch menu to a third of the normal size. “What’s more devastating is we are closing our doors for two days a week primarily due to staff shortages,” Harry said.
Peninsula Hotel is in the same boat, and not fully realizing its capacity. “We’ve had to stop serving lunch and don't open on Sunday or Monday,” Craig said.
Businesses are buying apartments to house workers
Larger businesses have diverted their capital to try and stem the financial costs. Peninsula Hotel has bought one apartment and leased another while Hemingway’s Brewery is exploring buying an apartment.
“If we can provide a bed, then at least we can ensure our staff have somewhere safe to stay. We’ve set up bunk beds so at least 10 of our 30 staff have accommodation,” Craig said.
That’s one solution for big business, yet smaller companies are also struggling, but don’t have the capacity to buy or rent staff accommodation.
Port Douglas Marine provides mechanical maintenance on tourist and fishing vessels. Normally the business owned by Chris Wierzbowski would employ six workers, now it’s down to four. “It’s proving increasingly difficult to attract tradespeople to the area, and I believe it’s because people know you can’t find anywhere to live.”
That’s part of the problem, but he’s noticed many of his workers are under housing stress. “I can see the financial pressure people are under. If you are worried your rent is being hiked up or facing eviction, it’s stressful. For people who are stressed, it’s hard to give your best at work and I understand that.”
Our international reputation is threatened
The reduced capacity of businesses is a challenge. But there are serious flow-on effects. “Financially the cost is huge, but the biggest cost to the town is our reputation.
“I had one lady pushing a pram come to our restaurant, Hi Tide, after walking the length of Macrossan Street unable to find food for her family. This lady will leave with a bad impression of Port Douglas” Craig said.
“We are facing the greatest challenge. And it’s time to take action,” Craig said.
To do what? There is no firm figure, yet Craig and Harry agree that we need at least 200 extra affordable, comfortable and secure beds.
“There are investors who have the capital to build student-type accommodation. I’m calling out for a partnership between the Council and other levels of government to urgently sit down and discuss the short, and long-term solutions, and now.”
Facing eviction and considering moving out of Port Douglas, Gordon Smith agrees. “We don’t need more mansions built. I can’t see the people wandering down from their big houses to pack shelves in Coles”.
Thank you!
Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.
Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.
* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.