Too many boats barrier to Reef business
CAIRNS – A consultant’s report has offered options on the best ways to counter oversupply of boats servicing Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef.
Consultant Bill Calderwood has recommended either the establishment of a joint venture fleet or a Government buyback of some boats to ensure the viability of the industry sector.
Tony Baker, managing director of the Quicksilver Group – the biggest boat operator on the Reef – agreed capacity had increased over the past decade while tourist numbers had declined and it was stretching some operators to breaking point.
However, while he agreed a buyback could help ensure the sustainability of Reef tour operations, he believed economic pressures would result in changes before that option was considered.
“Given the current market, I think there will be some form of consolidation before then,” Baker told the Cairns Post.
In his report, Calderwood also recommended a code-sharing arrangement where operators would sell seats on other companies’ vessels.
“I don’t think it is as easy as code sharing like with planes. Everyone out there competes hell-for-leather,†said Baker.
“There is an inordinate amount of competition out there and I guess you have to ask is it harming the viability of the industry as a whole.”
Ian Jarrett
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