Fuel Fears Fail to Deter South Coast School Holiday Visitors
Despite widespread anxiety about fuel supplies, visitors from Illawarra, Sydney, and Canberra are shrugging off concerns and heading south for the Easter and school holidays. Operators along the South Coast report robust visitation, countering fears that travel plans might be cancelled due to fluctuating fuel availability.
Strong Bookings Defy Initial Worries
Sally Bouckley of Southbound Escapes in Narooma expressed initial concern over a lack of bookings, but the situation quickly turned around. "Every cancellation filled back up - we had 1500 people walk through the doors over three days," she said. Bouckley noted that Easter ended up being busier than Christmas, with the caravan park opposite her business fully occupied and ongoing calls for overflow accommodation in nearby areas like Bermagui and Potato Point.
She emphasized the importance of dispelling misinformation about fuel shortages. "I just think it's really important to get the message out to people looking to visit the area for school holidays, and going forward, that there is fuel in the petrol stations," Bouckley added.
Businesses Absorb Costs Amid Fuel Price Hikes
While tourism operators are seeing strong demand, they are grappling with rising fuel costs. Andrew Duggan, manager at Oakleigh Farm Cottages, mentioned that ahead of Easter, people had been calling to check on fuel availability, influenced by news reports. Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher reassured that there is no supply shortage on the coast, noting fuel is cheaper in Batemans Bay than in some areas between there and Sydney.
Josh Tyler, general manager of The Oaks Ranch in Mossy Point, said reservations have not dipped, but he is monitoring increased produce costs. "We haven't seen that flow-through yet, only in our fuel levies on invoices," he explained. Tyler indicated that businesses might absorb costs temporarily, but price rises could be necessary if the situation persists beyond three to six months.
Al Newbold, owner of Mr Bold Catering in Narooma, is also holding off on price increases. "Being a small business owner, I'm the last person that wants to put the prices up because I don't want to scare people away," he said, adding that he is currently absorbing extra expenses.
Producers Feel Immediate Impact of Fuel Prices
Food producers are experiencing more direct effects from fuel price hikes. Jake McCulloch, co-owner of Narooma Bridge Seafoods, highlighted that one of their diesel-powered trawlers can use 1000 litres a day, costing around $1800 daily. This not only increases expenses but also limits fishing efforts, as boats cannot afford to hunt for fish extensively.
McCulloch described a "catch-22" situation with pricing. "We don't want to sting people too much, because you also want people to buy the fish," he said, noting that significant price increases could reduce sales.
Oyster farmer Jim Yiannaros faces pressure from freight levies, with costs adding up to about 50 cents per dozen oysters. Mayor Mathew Hatcher, who also owns Guerilla Roasters, pointed out that skyrocketing freight charges will drive up coffee prices, with suppliers imposing extra 20% increases. He warned that if fuel issues drag on, every product could see price rises.
Optimism for Regional Tourism Amid Challenges
Despite the challenges, some operators remain optimistic. Tim Gilbo, owner of South Coast Seaplanes, suggested that fuel price rises might encourage more domestic travel, similar to trends seen during COVID-19. "If people stop looking overseas so much and start looking a bit more closer to home, that can have positive impacts," he said.
Tour operator Juliane Wisata of Rocky Trail Entertainment and Sea Otter believes the current situation is a short-term consumer sentiment. "We do hope over autumn and winter that it will all calm down," she said, adding that businesses are trying to "roll with the punches and dive through this."
Overall, while fuel concerns have sparked anxiety, the South Coast is witnessing resilient visitor numbers, with businesses adapting to maintain appeal during the school holiday period.
