Re-opening Coast not as easy as it sounds

The Gold Coast’s leaders have welcomed moves to begin the post coronavirus recovery, but for some it will be easier said than done.

GOLD Coast leaders have welcomed statewide plans to ease coronavirus restrictions but warn the city is unlikely to feel the benefits until well after July.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday revealed the state’s three-stage plan to restart the economy in line with the Federal government’s three-pronged attack to emerge from lockdown and stave off an outbreak of the potentially deadly coronavirus.

From May 15, Queensland will move to stage one, which allows for cafes, restaurants and RSLs to open with a maximum of 10 patrons.

Travel restrictions will also be loosened, with travel allowed up to 150km from home for recreational purposes.

Stage two kicks in on June 12, allowing for gatherings up to 20 visitors in homes and in cafes and restaurants.

WHAT NEW RULES MEAN FOR RESTURANTS, BARS, THE BORDER

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks to the media about easing of coronavirus restrictions, Friday, May 8, 2020 - Picture: Richard Walker

Border closure restrictions will be reviewed in stage 3, at this stage set for July 10, with non-work gathering of up to 100 people and return to workplaces with a COVID safe plan.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the news, describing it as the “best Mother’s Day gift”, but both Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista and Chamber of Commerce Chief Martin Hall said many businesses may still be hamstrung for some months.

Cr Tate said the roadmap’s release would provide significant confidence for the city’s economy and would, in earnest, begin the economic recovery.

“The critical thing for me is as we approach July 10 and the prospective return of interstate travel, the Gold Coast’s tourism can flourish once again and get back to a sense of reality,” he said.

“This gives us a sense of hope and you will see the flow-on effects for our city.

“This has come earlier than expected but giving a week’s notice before the first unwinding will give our restaurants and retailers time to prepare.”

EVERY STORE OPEN AT MAJOR COAST CENTRES THIS WEEKEND

Mayor Tom Tate. Pic Mike Batterham

Cr Tate said he would launch a post-COVID-19 charm offensive to lure visitors back to the Gold Coast.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista also welcomed the changes but said businesses were seeking more clarity on what the rules meant for them.

She said while the new 150km travel limit did open up drive tourism for the area, many restaurants and attractions may not see it viable to open for just ten customers at a time.

“I commend the State Government for making a common sense move, to balance economic needs of Queensland and the Gold Coast with health, but I do think we need to progress economically as soon as it is possible to do so,” she said.

“We had 8.6 million day visitors last year so it is an important step to reopen that flow with the changes to travel restrictions.”

Ms Battista said her phone had been ‘running hot’ with operators working to understand what the rules meant for them.

“What is needed right now is absolute clarity, many businesses are simply not able to put on staff with caps on customer numbers.

“There is still a very real risk many businesses will fail on the Gold Coast if restrictions are not lifted.”

MORE NEWS

100+ pictures of my first year Gold Coast

How to get your fresh beer fix during lockout

Why Main Beach Plans are smarter than Palm Beach

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall said the Gold Coast business sector was trying to remain positive with CCIQ’s statistics revealing 17 per cent of businesses have closed and 39 per cent are operating on skeleton staff.

Mr Hall said the stage one easing of the restrictions could be challenging for cafes and restaurants but could also provide opportunities.

“For example, I imagine there would be lots of people willing to spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to take a group of 10 people to a restaurant and have the place to themselves for special celebrations or simply a good night out,” he said.

Mr Hall said it was important to note the JobKeeper arrangements would still be in place until

September 27 and many business owners would jump at the chance to get revenue flowing back into the tills.

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Annaliese Battista at the meeting. . Picture Glenn Hampson

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she hoped the tourism sector would be back in business by the June school holidays.

“In July we are absolutely hoping, fingers crossed if our numbers remain low and everything is going well, we will be able to open up travel for right across Queensland,” she said.

Broadbeach Elk Espresso owner Andrew Whiting, Shuck Restaurant owner Scott Budgen, D’Arcy Arms manager Janene Porter and Ken Zeng, co-owner of Grand Dynasty at The Oasis all told the Bulletin that they were eager to reopen given the restriction life.

“My phone has been ringing off the hook with bookings since the announcement of some relaxation of restrictions. Although 10 people at once is quite small, it’s a step in the right direction and at least we can open our doors,” Janene Porter said.

“We are just staggering booking times. Shuck is back in business baby!”

There have been 196 cases of coronavirus detected on the Gold Coast to date. Only eight cases are still considered active.