Cruising ban: South coast tourism industry hopes for safe return of domestic cruise ships this year
After a devastating 12 months, the Federal Government ban on cruising is set to lift this year breathing life into many businesses with each ship bringing an estimated $150,000 to $250,000 to town.
The South Coast News
Don't miss out on the headlines from The South Coast News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There are hopes the current ban on cruise ships will soon be lifted, allowing domestic tourists to travel safely to struggling south coast communities.
The Federal Government’s biosecurity ban on cruise ships was extended for three months in December to March 17, and tourism operators say they hope the ban will eventually be lifted for COVID-19 safe domestic travel.
Kiah Wilderness Tours’ owner and operator Jenny Robb described spending by visiting cruise passengers as “the cream on top” for her eco-kayaking business south of Eden.
It has been estimated each visiting cruise ship generates between $150,000 and $250,000 for the far south coast. Before the ban, the Port Authority of NSW had scheduled 22 ships to visit over the 2019/2020 season.
Ms Robb said she hoped domestic cruises will began by the end of 2021.
“We noticed our figures were down with the cruiseships not coming,” Ms Robb said.
“As a community member, I know it’s not worth the health risk, but the Port Authority is conscious of safety. They are taking a cautious approach, which is what we really want. Everyone in tourism is aware of community perceptions and the need for safety.
“We’re very confident the industry will be able to manage, because we’ve learned so much about coronavirus since the ban and the Ruby Princess experience.
“We know there are people out there literally addicted to cruising, so they will be back.”
Ms Robb’s property was burnt during the bushfire crisis, which was followed by three floods and the pandemic, leading to “dribbles” of tourists since September.
She said the “silver lining” of the cruiseship ban and the Victorian border closure is the fact the region has cracked into the difficult Sydney market with half her visitors now coming from the NSW capital.
“Sydney has found the south coast this summer,” she said.
“They are going south of Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay for the first time. They are going places they don’t normally go and have discovered us.
“I think we will all have a win at the end of this.”
Port Authority of NSW cruise development manager, Natalie Godward, said the authority was optimistic cruise ships would return to south coast ports, including Eden and Port Kembla, “when the time is right”.
“We know the cruise industry is developing new protocols and will be guided by medical, scientific and government advice to determine when and how cruise will return when the Federal Government restrictions on cruise lifts,” she said.
“When a ship comes in and brings 2000 or more people into the region, they get off and explore the town and broader Sapphire Coast for the day bringing a substantial economic impact to the area, and a town of around 3000 people.
“Another great benefit is that cruiseships bring thousands of new visitors to the region for a day visit, whetting their appetite to return independently for a longer holiday later – return visitation is one of the biggest benefits we see locally as a result of cruise visitation.
Ms Godward said 18 cruiseships visited the town during the 2019/20 financial year.
“We are continuing to invest in Eden through using local contractors and supplies for the new welcome centre, which is due for completion early 2021, and look forward to welcoming cruiseships back in the future when safe to do so,” she said.
The $6 million Eden welcome centre, located on the town’s Fishermen’s Co-op wharf site, is under construction ahead of the lifting of the ban, and a $44 million wharf extension and upgrade opened last year.
Bega Valley Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said it was difficult to see the cruise industry “return to what it was” before the pandemic, and he was keen to see domestic cruiseships return to the south coast.
“They say every passenger spends between $100 and $300 each, but the figures are all over the shop,” he said.
“I have had some complaints that passengers don’t spend much in the shops in town.”
Mr Fitzpatrick said he would like to see the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre return to the wharf after it was evicted from the building, which is set to be demolished if a NSW Government development application is approved.
“I would like to see the rebirth of the discovery centre, but they have gone into liquidation,” he said.
“The educational side was enormous, but part of the problem is the cost of running it.”
A Department of Planning, Industry and Environment spokesman said the planned demolition will allow for “new mixed-use development” on the site.
“These works are vital to any future plans to reactivate this site in a way that will bring back locals and visitors to the area, generating jobs and fuelling the local economy,” the spokesman said.
“The proposed works include the demolition of the existing building and associated structures, the removal of disused underground fuel tanks and petrol bowser plinths, and any required site remediation works.
“Pending council approval, it is anticipated works will start in April and will take 12 weeks to complete.”
Heartbreaker! Rising stars of Waratahs, Reds rugby produce U15s thriller
There was heartbreak for one and elation for the other. The annual battle between the Waratahs and Reds U15s had it all, including a match clinching last minute penalty.
New mayor’s bid to reinstate ‘lifesaving’ tree rule
A newly elected mayor is set to deliver on an election promise, reinstating the ‘45 Degree Tree Rule’, established to allow residents to remove dangerous trees without council red tape, after a 2002 tragedy in the Shoalhaven.