‘Running at a loss’: The world famous tourism destination isolated following Far North floods

Road closures have shut off one of Queensland’s major tourism drawcards and businesses fear they’re close to going under.

Scarred mountainsides highlight the damage done by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the Far North floods near Cape Tribulation. (Michael Kerr)

Desperate Cape Tribulation businesses are calling for financial support, declaring they’ll likely go broke before the main road leading into the international tourism destination is reopened.

Nestled in the heart of World Heritage-listed rainforest, the coastal hamlet has been isolated for more than two weeks after floods caused major road damage and landslides throughout the region.

Essential items, including diesel for generators, are being flown in by helicopter with food delivered by barge from Cairns.

But supermarket owner Graham Williams said many businesses were on the brink of going under.

“I’m running at a loss,” Mr Williams said.

“I’ve got to pay wages as well as my landlord.

“I’m pleading with the government to help keep the business open, especially if the road stays shut. Otherwise, I’ll just go broke.”

Boasting breathtaking beaches, ancient rainforest and stunning reef, Cape Tribulation is one of Australia’s great tourism getaways. (iStock)

Tourism operators and community members met with Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd on Thursday seeking answers as to when Cape Tribulation Road may be reopened.

But Mr Williams said no clear timeline was provided by the Minister at the meeting.

“It’s fantastic that they came up here but at the end of the day we can’t be cut off for months on end,” he said.

“I thought it was good but there weren’t many answers provided. They said they understood but didn’t make any real promises.”

Daintree resident, Lawrence Mason is eager to see the Cape Tribulation Road reopened.

Fellow business owner Lawrence Mason said an extended closure could potentially ruin the community.

“It makes me really nervous,” Mr Mason said.

“It makes me think it’s (going to be shut for) months, not weeks.

“These may be tin pot little businesses to other people but they’re not to us.”

Cape Tribulation community members say Member for Cook Cynthia Lui has been missing in action following the Far North floods. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mr Williams said he was disappointed Member for Cook Cynthia Lui didn’t join the minister on her visit to Cape Tribulation.

“Cynthia has been missing in action and never responds to the community,” he said.

“I sent an email to her and all I got was an out of office reply. You never hear from her.

“She came up once during COVID. It just feels like there’s no consideration or concern for Cape Tribulation.”

Ms Lui did not respond to multiple attempts to reach her prior to deadline.

Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd, pictured in Cooktown last week, met with Cape Tribulation residents this week. (Annette Dew)

A spokesperson for Ms Boyd said: “There were a number of issues raised at the meeting on Thursday. We’ll have a response for the community soon.”

Originally published as ‘Running at a loss’: The world famous tourism destination isolated following Far North floods