‘It is critical the NT borders are opened soon’: Closed borders leave Territory tourism operators in dire straits

THE operator of two Territory holiday resorts has warned the Gunner Government that many businesses will not see 2021 if borders don’t reopen soon.

The operator of two Territory holiday resorts, including one in the Red Centre, has warned the Gunner Government that many businesses will not see 2021 if borders don’t reopen soon. Picture: Tourism NT/Jackson Groves

THE operator of two Territory holiday resorts has warned the Gunner Government that many businesses will not see 2021 if borders don’t reopen soon.

Group General Manager for Aurora Resorts, Tony Quatermass, said without interstate money churning through NT business during this dry season, many would not make it to 2021.

Aurora Resorts operates Aurora Alice Springs and Aurora Kakadu Lodge and has a third property on Kangaroo Island in South Australia.

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“It is critical the NT borders are opened soon,” Mr Quatermass said.

“What we achieve financially through the dry season lets us remain viable through the wet season.

“Normally this time of the year we have an extra 39 staff between the two properties than what we have now.

“This is the time of year we see southerners escaping from the cold weather for their annual extended holiday travelling throughout the NT.”

However, it seems unlikely Mr Quatermass’ comments will have much impact with Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

Posting on Facebook yesterday about why he is not opening NT borders, Mr Gunner wrote: “It’s called the second wave. And we need to stop it before it starts.

“The Territory is the safest place in Australia. We have more businesses open, more people back in work – and sport is back this weekend.

“We are ahead of the rest of the nation because of our secure borders. Before we relax them, we need to see how the other states – especially NSW and Victoria – go with easing their restrictions. We need to see if the second wave starts down there, before we let them up here.

“The next few weeks will be critical. It’s the second wave that has been stuffed by too many around the world. We cannot afford that mistake here. We must land the exit.”

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Mr Quatermass said most of their guests were older grey nomads in their own caravans who in general were very responsible people.