‘Traumatised’: Fears of long Covid threat to Gold Coast tourism and hospitality businesses
The lockdown has lifted, but Gold Coasters are still too traumatised to return to their pre-Covid spending habits and social lives.
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THE lockdown has lifted, but Gold Coasters are still too traumatised to return to their pre-Covid spending habits and social lives, spelling disaster for businesses.
That’s according to Gold Coast psychologist Cliff Battley, who reported a sharp increase in clients presenting with stress about money and security.
Dr Battley said people were too money conscious to splurge on luxury items and were fearful about their children’s wellbeing with the Delta variant’s spread in schools.
“We’re starting to get into the habit of thinking it’s not safe to spend money,” he said.
“If you have a shop front and people aren’t coming to spend money with you, that means you don’t have the money to spend elsewhere.
“The lockdown has lifted but we’re still traumatised, worried and fearful.”
Hospitality and retail businesses also reported a change in consumer behaviour after Sunday’s lockdown lifted.
Kurrawa Surf Club operations manager Tracy Gardner said there was a “massive sense of hesitation” from the community, with few people out and about.
“I think there’s still some concern in the community,” Ms Gardner said.
“I’m a mother of two and in my high school community there’s a lot of talk of parents keeping kids home if they have got to wear masks.
“The lockdowns, to an extent, have continued.”
The surf club’s head of human resources Mark Edwards said he hoped the “lingering fear” was only temporary.
“We talk about road maps, but we don’t have a clear end. It’s a day-by-day, week-by-week scenario,” he said.
The precarious situation has prompted the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) to call for a more detailed Covid-19 Transition Roadmap to provide more operating certainty.
“Even if we are not in a lockdown situation, the ongoing operating restrictions and lack of access for visitors will continue to burden an industry that relies on people being able to move freely across the country – and across borders,” QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind said.
“This presents a clear and present danger to the sustainability of the entire sector in every part of the country and we need urgent action.”
SHOW OF SUPPORT FOR STRUGGLING EATERIES
GOLD Coasters are heading to their local cafe and pulling up a pew for a bite to eat - even if battling themselves – as a show of support after businesses took a financial hit during last week’s lockdown.
University student Claire Friend popped down to her favourite Mermaid Beach cafe for a coffee despite losing wages during the southeast Queensland lockdown.
The 25-year-old from Broadbeach said the lost hours cost her rent for the week but was lucky enough to have an understanding landlord.
“Fortunately my mother is my landlord so we’re postponing last week’s rent. But if I was any other average Joe I’d probably be in a little bit of strife,” she said. “I feel like as a lower-income earner, and also a full-time student now, I have a few things to consider but since the lockdown lifted I definitely have been a lot more.”
Daniel Kenney couldn’t wait to head down to his favourite watering hole, the Kurrawa Surf Club, after lockdown lifted on Sunday afternoon.
Mr Kenney urged locals to support community organisations and businesses to keep people in jobs: “They need to stay open for people to get paid. The surf club puts lifeguards on the beach, they do patrols and save lives.”
Daniele Von Elsner and daughter Katinka Von Elsner of Palm Beach spent the morning at the Milkman’s Daughter in a show of support and to enjoy the sunshine.
“It’s good to be out in public and supporting our local coffee shops,” Katinka said. “With lockdown and being at home that whole week, has made me make more an effort to get out. And being outside is being healthy.”
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