Cradle Mountain tourism operators struggling to find and keep enough staff

Tourism operators in one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations are struggling to find staff to fill dozens of roles going begging, despite offering perks like meals and board. SEE THE JOBS VACANT NOW >>

Cameron Whiteley

@cwhiteley12

2 min read

February 26, 2021 - 9:25AM

North West Coast

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TOURISM operators in one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations are struggling to find staff to fill dozens of roles.

And they say many candidates they do hire leave soon after starting or do not turn up at all.

Cradle Mountain Lodge general manager Peter Fritz, who moved to Tasmania three months ago from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, said some of the workforce traditionally included those from overseas on working or student visas.

But he said the closure of international borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic had left operators in a difficult position because that pool of employment had effectively been cut off.

Mr Fritz said the opening of domestic borders had resulted in a significant increase in bookings, with a current average occupancy of about 80 per cent in the lodge’s 86 rooms.

They have about 60 staff and need to hire at least another dozen to keep up with demand — but attracting candidates to the remote location is proving to be more than a challenge.

The general manager of Cradle Mountain Lodge says staff sometimes leave soon after starting or do not turn up at all.

Mr Fritz said despite advertising positions through a range of channels, they could not fill the roles, which included food and beverage attendants, kitchen staff and massage therapists.

“Some of the people sign contracts and then may not show up,” he said.

“It’s not very reliable. You then employ more people and sign more contracts, and the same thing happens. It’s very inconvenient.”

Mr Fritz said he believed the relative remoteness of Cradle Mountain meant that candidates — especially the younger generation — were turned off the opportunity and preferred living closer to larger cities.

“You have to attract the right people ... sometimes people expect something different,” he said.

“Some people want to go out to the clubs and pubs and we’re far away from that.”

Cradle Mountain is one of the state’s premier tourist destinations.

The recruitment problems mean existing staff sometimes have to work overtime to keep the operation going, with limited operating hours in some parts of the lodge, including the spa.

Food and accommodation costs for staff is heavily subsidised, and Mr Fritz has this message for anyone considering a job at Cradle Mountain, including Tasmanians.

“Give it a go,” he said.

“Experience the beauty of the area. It is a paradise.”

Wombat enjoys the snowy serenity at Dove Lake

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the state had been left vulnerable because it had not built a sufficient workforce.

“We have great stable jobs and iconic tourism products and the challenge is getting skilled Tasmanians to take the roles,” he said.

“We’ve become too dependent on foreign workers and the visa situation has exposed us.”

Mr Martin said operators on the West Coast and in other regional areas were also struggling to attract staff, but that it was a situation occurring across the country.

“If you’re in hospitality or in tourism in the city and you’re worried about your immediate future, there are jobs out there,” he said.

“Often employers in regional areas will work with you to make the potential move and will consider week on, week off.”

JOBS VACANT