Alice Springs businesses fear further lockdowns as borders open

BUSINESS people in Alice Springs are concerned the opening of the NT’s borders today will compromise the wellbeing of the community and potentially lead to a second business lockdown

The Bakery co-owner Mel Darr, Premium Pete's owner Tony Hanton, and DuYu Coffee Roasters co-owner Kim Hopper. Picture: Emma Murray

BUSINESS people in Alice Springs are concerned the opening of the NT’s borders today will compromise the wellbeing of the community and potentially lead to a second business lockdown.

Various business owners across hospitality and retail in Alice Springs have told the Centralian Advocate they are worried about the virus spreading and causing blows to the local economy.

The Bakery co-owner Mel Darr wrote to Chief Minister Michael Gunner to shut the borders and said although the NT Government was opening the borders to boost the economy and tourism, she thought it could do the opposite.

“I don’t feel we’re safe to open yet and our population is super vulnerable so I don’t think it’s smart,” she said.

“I don’t think it will be beneficial long-term and it might send business even further back than where we’ve come from.”

Paige 27 cafe manager Catherine Simard said although business had been slow with no tourists, she was “extremely nervous” about the virus spreading in town.

“I feel like we’d be more comfortable riding through a lower turnover for longer knowing we’d be safe rather than risking a second lockdown which would be absolutely devastating for business and staff,” she said.

Chamber of Commerce NT chief executive Greg Ireland said the Territory couldn’t afford to stay closed forever because it would have severe continuing impacts on the economy.

“There’s a risk around everything you do but the appropriate guidelines need to be observed,” he said.

“It’s one of those damned if you do, damned if you don’t kind of scenarios.”

Premium Pete’s owner Tony Hanton said transporting fresh food stock from Adelaide would be easier now that borders were open but he was weary of NSW travellers.

“If people are doing the right thing we should be OK but you have to bear in mind the hot spots,” he said.

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Minister for Central Australian Economic Reconstruction Dale Wakefield said the NT Government was acting on health advice to make their decisions.

“We have not hesitated to act. People from hot spots wont be allowed,” she said.

“People understand it is complex but we will always put the health of Territorians first as well as making sure we back our businesses.”