‘A sign of hope’: Cairns businesses rejoice as vaccination requirements scrapped

Cairns businesses rejoice following the Palaszczuk government’s long-awaited mandate announcement affecting pubs, cafes and restaurants.

A COLLECTIVE sigh of relief came from Far North Queensland businesses as it was announced Covid mandates would be scrapped, with some owners cautious for what the future holds.

Snoogies Health Bar owner, Aron Bradshaw, said the axing of vaccine requirements, from 1am on April 14, meant they would be able to house more customers.

“The seats are coming back in,” he said.

“We’ve seen tourists coming back, they’re happy to come through on holidays, it’s just lovely.”

Pleased to see the mandates being removed, Mr Bradshaw said this meant business can return to pre-pandemic levels.

Snoogies Health Bar owner Aron Bradshaw is quietly confident business will return to pre-pandemic levels. Picture: Brian Cassey

“I’m quietly confident, we could get there,” he said.

Happy Travels also had an even happier outlook for the future of Cairns’ tourism industry with area manager George Wilson excited to see travellers feel secure in their bookings.

“The removal of mandates reinstates confidence in regards to our customers,” he said.

“The changing of the rules and now that it’s (the mandate) releasing, I think it’s great for the area.”

Mr Wilson said he was hopeful that easing vaccine requirements would restore travellers to Cairns.

“Hopefully we’ll get back to the days we had pre-Covid.”

Happy Travels Area Manager George Wilson said removing mandates will reinstate confidence in travellers. Picture: Brian Cassey

Shayne Rowe, owner of Rowe Design Gold and Silversmith said his locals focused business was one of the few that has thrived during the pandemic.

“Some people, because they couldn’t travel, they were happy to spend money on themselves,” he said.

Mr Rowe said he hoped the Queensland government did not later bring back what he called “bullshit mandates” as restrictions eased further.

“The CBD of Cairns is not alive, there’s more shops closed than I’ve ever seen,” he said.

“Coming into Easter now, let’s hope everything picks up, we’re excited.”

Shayne Rowe of Rowe Design, Gold and Silversmith said he hopes the mandates won’t be reinstated again. Picture: Brian Cassey

On the other side of retail, business has been quiet for Summer Spencer, owner of House of Archeion.

Ms Spencer said that the retail sector had faced the full effect of vaccine requirements, masks and changing restrictions.

“Things are not what they used to be, it’s going to take a while,” she said.

“(Mandates lifting) is definitely a sign of hope, it’s just going to take some time to see a change.”

Ms Spencer called on the Cairns Regional Council to help bring people back into the city with the easing of restrictions “not enough”.

Summer Spencer owner of House of Archeion said more needs to be done. Picture: Brian Cassey

“The council needs to liven the city centre (up) and revive it,” she said.

Originally published as ‘A sign of hope’: Cairns businesses rejoice as vaccination requirements scrapped