Queensland tourism operators are feeling forgotten and ignored by governments after devastating storms destroyed what should be their most lucrative time of year.
The physical toll of the Christmas tornado on the Gold Coast and extensive flooding in Far North Queensland is clear, with seven lives lost in Queensland, along with countless homes ruined and thousands still without power.
Less obvious is the impact on businesses and livelihoods.
Nic Welch runs a boat hire business on the Gold Coast and couldn’t legally operate for nine days due to debris and flooding in the Coomera River.
He estimated he’d lost at least $5,000 already.
“It’s devastating, I was booked out every single day and I’ve had to cancel and refund everything,” Mr Welch said.
“The school holidays only last so long and then everyone’s back to work, so I really do have to rely upon this period of the year to get a bit of a buffer, whereas…
