It’s time to open the borders and get the money flowing again

THE reality of opening borders soon is stranded happy campers will be able to get on their way and the eager, regular mid-year travelers will hit the road to find their slice of paradise where they’ll park up for weeks on end, writes DENISE CAHILL

We need to let grey nomads back into the Territory, writes DENISE CAHILL

WHAT are you afraid of Mr Gunner?

That a convoy of grey nomads will tear up the red dirt like a bus load of Contiki tour revelers on their boozy vacay moving from one exciting city to the next each day?

That the retirees will be shoulder to shoulder playing beer pong in camp kitchens all over the Territory?

That there’ll be caravan convoys moving from park to park everyday?

The reality of opening borders soon (let’s say August for argument’s sake) is stranded happy campers will be able to get on their way and the eager, regular mid-year travelers will hit the road to find their slice of paradise where they’ll park up for weeks on end.

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Mary and Bert will enjoy a chardy and a tinnie with some Jatz and cheese at 5pm religiously every night — some nights they’ll invite Pete and Joyce around for a tipple.

But they’ll be behind their van doors by 8pm to prepare for another day of glorious sunshine in the safest place in Australia.

Then there’ll be the racegoers and car lovers who will jump on a plane, whatever brand is flying, and pay whatever price it takes to make it to the NT for our biggest events of the year.

They’ll stay in hotels, drink in pubs, buy souvenirs for the family members shivering down south and eat out for at least two meals a day.

Our streets won’t be crowded, they’ll be vibrant.

Our coffee shops won’t be bulging with people, they’ll be pleasantly bustling with strangers having conversations about how they got through that darn 2020 pandemic.

Visitors to the NT will know how dangerous the coronavirus is and the importance of social distancing and regular hand washing.

Australian Medical Association president Tony Bartone has said there would be flare ups in hot spots and outbreaks.

That could happen in the NT.

But it will likely happen whether we invite the grey nomads and vigilent tourists across our borders or not.

An NT News poll asking readers, many of whom own businesses, have vulnerable family members and monitor health advice, when borders should open suggests it should be earlier (June or July) rather than later (September or later).

We’re on a roll ... and most importantly we’re not taking it for granted.

Restaurants, cafes and pubs have gone to much effort and spent hard earned dollars to space out tables, print signs with social distancing rules, provide a swimming pool’s supply of hand sanitiser and gyms are not taking any chances either.

Equipment is being cleaned in between users.

Senior Sergeant Lee Morgan and Senior Constable Megan Duncan attend 6 Tanks on Mitchell St as part of a visible presence during the first round of coronavirus restrictions being lifted. Picture: CHE CHORLEY

Mr Gunner, we know this is serious and we’re taking it seriously.

It’s time for the next step — borders.

If the expected happens and there’s a second wave, those heroes in our health system are prepared, now more than ever.

We all know what it takes to be the safest place in Australia.

The NT Government tells would-be visitors ... “The Northern Territory boasts some of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Australia – think World Heritage-listed natural icons, ancient Aboriginal culture, lush tropical waterfalls and outback dining under the stars…”

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Let’s open these opportunies back up soon and start seeing the flying kangaroos back in our skies.

Let Bert and Mary catch up with Pete and Joyce to crack a tinnie together with the iconic Northern Territory sunset in the background.

Denise Cahill is the Head of News at the NT News