For most of the Riverland, it’s still business as normal | Kathryn Bermingham
The Riverland might be staring down a natural disaster, but there’s one common theme among the locals you might not expect, writes Kathryn Bermingham.
Opinion
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Speaking with business owners in the Riverland this week, there emerged a common theme.
“This is a disaster but it’s still a pretty place, a stunning place and it’s still business as usual for those of us that don’t have to shut,” Nikki Monaco said on Tuesday.
Ms Monaco’s cafe, River Jacks, sits just metres from the swelling River Murray in Berri.
Despite its proximity, she said she was not concerned about the water.
Instead, she spoke of a greater challenge looming for businesses — one that she believes could continue to hurt the region after the water has receded and the clean-up is done.
“The last month, there’s no locals coming out and there’s definitely no tourists coming out,” she said.
“I think miscommunication is playing a big part.”
Her message to the wider South Australian public would be “still come out”.
“The major roads are still open,” she said.
“I’ve got the best steak sandwich is Berri. Come give it a go.”
Ms Monaco’s message is one that has been relayed up and down the river.
Anthony Bergen, owner of Cadell General Store, said his business had also suffered.
The town’s permanent population of about 550 people grows each summer when campers and shack owners flock to the Riverland.
But none have come this year.
“All the camping grounds have shut down, so that’s slowed us down,” he said.
“We rely on the campers coming up and we’ll lose that this year.”
Mr Bergen had a similar message, and said visitors who come now will see a rare spectacle of nature.
“If you’ve never seen the Murray before, you wouldn’t think it’s flooded. It looks magnificent with all the backwaters filled for a change. The wildlife is still hanging around,” he said.
As part of a flood support package, Premier Peter Malinauskas on Tuesday announced a bumper tourism boost, with $3m pumped into three rounds of $200 accommodation.
There’s also funding for experience vouchers to be handed out once waters recede and $1.1m committed to a “Book Them Out”-style marketing campaign.
This will be welcome news to business owners, who are facing months of uncertainty.
But the Riverland needs our support now.
Traders that rely on an influx of guests during the busy summer period are reporting massive drops in patronage.
Their pleas for visitors, and their glowing reviews of the river, are not tokenistic.
Ms Monaco’s words are true.
There’s no time like now. The Riverland is a pretty place – a stunning place – and, for the vast majority, it’s still business as usual.
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