Staff accommodation a future concern

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ACCOMMODATION

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Last updated: 16/04/2021, 16:40:00 (AEST)

Lack of affordable accomodation in Port Douglas has presented a problem in filling the many job vacancies in the tourist town. Image: Newsport.

Faced with an alarming shortage of skilled workers in the accommodation industry that could take years to repair, Port Douglas will be faced with another significant challenge when the proposed developments are complete.

The question is where will staff stay. There is no mention of staff accommodation in the Development Applications (DA's) and those wanting to work at Fairmont Port Douglas, for example, and coming from another state, will rightly ask if there is staff accommodation.

An artist impression of the planned $300 million Fairmont Port Douglas resort. One of the currently proposed developments in the tourist town, but where will the workers stay?. Image: Supplied.

Admittedly, the Fairmont won't be open until 2023, but Port Douglas needs to address this challenge.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr clearly understands the concern.

“Absolutely. Housing is part of our plans moving forward as well. There is currently a shortage of staff and accommodation which both need to be considered and improved as we move forward,” he said.