Disaster-stricken tourism businesses suffer as Cairns MP lobbies for support

A Cairns-based tourism business is “out of work” until a key Far North Queensland road reopens — but a Cairns MP says help is on the way.

Cairns-based tourism operator Jeremy Forward is eager to see the Cape Tribulation Road re-opened soon.

Exploring the Wet Tropics’ natural wonders has been Cairns tour guide Jeremy Forward’s job for more than three decades.

But the Cape Tribulation Connections owner doesn’t know when he’ll take a convoy to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest next.

Scarred mountainsides highlight the damage done by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the ensuing floods that swept through the region earlier this month.

The Far North floods have devastated several roads in the Douglas Shire with around 100 Cape Tribulation residents still isolated – leaving Mr Forward’s tour buses stuck 150 kilometres away in Cairns.

“I can’t get up there,” Mr Forward said.

“I’ve driven through Cooper Creek with water up to the windscreen in the past.

“But this event is obviously much bigger than anything we’ve experienced before.

“My business is shut down now and it will be until the roads re-open.”

Having only just emerged from the global pandemic, Mr Forward said the indefinite closure of Cape Tribulation Road was a bitter pill to swallow.

“I don’t know how far ahead to cancel tours for,” he said.

“I used to have four staff but I’ve gone back to driving the bus following COVID.

“I was almost at the point where I could employ tour guides again.

“It’s hard to explain to customers the difficulties we’re having because most people live in towns with all the basic amenities.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy says tourism and accommodation businesses in Cape Tribulation need more support from the Federal Government. Picture Emily Barker.

In addition to Disaster Assist funding announced on Thursday, Tourism Minister Michael Healy said he will lobby for broader support for businesses trying to retain staff.

“Cape Tribulation businesses are in dire straits,” Mr Healy said.

“Retention of workforce for businesses is a significant issue. At the moment, there isn’t a pool of funding for staff retention but I’m speaking to the Federal Government about it.

“Their message is clear. They need all the help they can get.

“Access is going to be another challenge. The damage left by the unprecedented rain event is phenomenal but we’re doing everything we can.”

Mr Forward said he would be anxiously waiting to hear any positive news regarding road closures.

“This is the only business I’ve got,” he said.

It’s estimated the Far North has lost $250 million from booking cancellations since the floods, Mr Healy said.

“Most hotels in Cairns say they’re at about 50 per cent capacity but at Cape Tribulation there’s nothing.”

Originally published as Disaster-stricken tourism businesses suffer as Cairns MP lobbies for support