Cyclone Jasper: Small businesses impacted in Far North Queensland

There’s been a lot to clean up following the damage caused by Cyclone Jasper after it tore through Cairns – and now businesses are desperate for tourists.

The devastation caused by the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper in Far North Queensland has been revealed, with more than 90 per cent of businesses impacted.

It comes after the category 2 storm dumped nearly 1000mm of rain over the Cairns region, leaving tens of thousands without power, hundreds of people trapped on their roofs and forcing Cairns Airport to close as planes were submerged in flooding waters.

Since the tropical cyclone last Sunday, while many in the city catchment have rebounded, other businesses are struggling — and they need the help of tourists.

As such, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged holidaymakers not to cancel their trips.

“I say to your viewers if you’ve got a booking here in far North Queensland please don’t cancel,” he told Sky News Australia.

“The community want to make sure that they can get back on their feet and the impact of the floods will be added to if we have a cancellation of people coming to this beautiful region.” It's estimated the tourism-dependent region will lose out on $125 million over the busy summer period due to cancellations.

Ellis Beach Bar and Grill staff members scrape up inches of thick mud from the floor after debris caused by flooding rain tore through the popular beachside eatery on Sunday. Picture: Brendan Radke

New data from Cairns Chamber of Commerce shows more than 90 per cent of businesses surveyed said they had been impacted and more than 94 per cent of those were forced to temporarily close their business.

Cairns Chamber of Commerce CEO Patricia O’Neill for some businesses it’s too soon to know the full damage cost.

“But others told us they expect the financial impact to be in the millions,” Ms O’Neill said in a statement issued on Thursday.

“Businesses are reporting their retail sales and revenue were down 80 per cent in the past week.

It comes as flooding caused by ex Tropical Cyclone Jasper created devastating scenes at Ellis Beach. Picture: Brendan Radke

“This impact is really distressing for those businesses, especially during what should be a time of optimism for the local community.”

According to the chamber, more than 60 per cent said they were not insured for damages associated with the disaster with many reporting they simply couldn’t afford insurance, while others said they were underinsured.

New data from Cairns Chamber of Commerce shows more than 90 per cent of businesses surveyed said they had been impacted and more than 94 per cent of those were forced to temporarily close their business.

According to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, many businesses are still closed and unsure when they would be able to re-open. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ellis Beach Surf Lifesaving Club members Erin Buckley, Skye Boothe, Mick Roberts, Dave Donnelly, Graeme Boothe and Hugo Doessel have helped clean up after flooding rain tore through the clubhouse. Picture: Brendan Radke

The members walk along the beach after flood waters caused huge erosion. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms O’Neill said she was working with local authorities, including meeting with Premier Steven Miles on the ground on Wednesday, to ensure the full business impact could be assessed.

Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper said for the disaster to hit so close to Christmas is saddening.

Tom Hedley stands in the Ellis Beach holiday park where huge landslides caused by flooding rain tore through the park on Sunday. Picture: Brendan Radke

Preston Fresh Seafood owner Max Pantacchini said more warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology and Ergon Energy would have helped businesses become better prepared for the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper.

“This is a challenging set of circumstances for businesses to face any day of the year and in any part of the state, but for this disaster to happen in such a tourism rich region and at normally peak tourism time is a double hit to businesses and their workforces,” Ms Cooper said.

She said given the emotional and financial impacts, business chambers in the region will work with government representatives “to ensure businesses have access to support, information and resources when and where they need it”.

“We welcome timely disaster recovery activation for businesses so they can prioritise their recovery and get back to business,” Ms Cooper said.

“At the same time, it’s important this support is easy and efficient for businesses to access, especially at such a challenging time.

“It’s why we’re calling for a comprehensive business sustainability and resilience framework ahead of the FY24 State Budget to ensure the state’s business community is equipped to navigate challenges and thrive in changing economic landscapes.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister announced a one-off payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child who had suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods.

People who live and work in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Mareeba, Tablelands and Wujal Wujal council areas can access this payment from 2pm on Wednesday.