Outback tourism operators are imploring Australians not to cancel travel bookings, as the nation’s fuel crisis continues to ripple across communities.
While the federal government announced this week it would halve the fuel excise, the move has done little to ease short-term anxiety, with more petrol stations running dry in cities, and fears that shortages could stretch into the months ahead.
In rural Australia, however, it’s not quite the same story.
There, many businesses depend heavily on tourism dollars.
Queensland woman Emma Menzies owns one of them.
She runs the Mulga Country Motor Inn in Charleville and said she’s had people “cancel recently”, saying “they’re worried about taking fuel away from local communities”.
And well-meaning as they may be, Emma said they could “be doing more harm than good”.
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Fuel uncertainty is hammering multiple Australian sectors, including accommodation and holiday parks. Source: Getty
Why is it important to honour outback bookings?
On top of that, she said there’s actually no fuel shortage in the Charleville region, and called for travellers to honour their plans.
“[It’s] incredibly thoughtful, but not actually what’s happening on the ground,” Emma said of the perceived lack of fuel.
“What I don’t think people realise is that by cancelling their stays, they are doing more harm than good.
“Our Outback towns rely on workers and visitors; it’s what keeps our businesses operating and our communities strong.”
Emma insists “everything is operating as normal”.
“In fact, after the recent rain, the landscape is looking incredible — it’s one of the best times to be out here,” she said.
Emma Menzies runs the Mulga Country Motor Inn in Charleville and said she’s had multiple cancellations recently. Source: Supplied
Towns ready to welcome visitors
Other rural hubs back Emma’s notion.
Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) CEO, Denise Brown, said that all major roads into the outback were open, with towns at the ready to welcome visitors.
To put it plainly, she said, there is simply no reason for cancellations.
“Councils are reporting to us that they have petrol supplies and want to see visitors in their regions,” Denise said.
“These towns are largely reliant on tourism dollars, so we are asking visitors to reshape their holiday plans rather than cancel them altogether.”
Denise suggested that extending stays in outback towns could even minimise petrol usage and extend budgets.
“Rather than a two-day stopover in a town, make it a week so that you can really immerse yourself in local life, attend events, support our local operators and still contribute to minimising fuel use while in the region,” she said.
“Use fuel finder apps for the best deal in towns with more than one servo, and go straight to the source for accurate information.
“Phone where you are staying ahead of time to check on the situation before you head off or make any decisions about your trip.”
Dozens of cancellations hit Aussie caravan parks
The Truck Friendly group — a national road safety program for caravan and trailer drivers — also encouraged Australians to support the outback, amid reports of mass cancellations.
“It is the heart of Australia, and a big part of the Australian spirit,” a statement read on Monday.
“[We] have been talking to caravan park and similar business managers, and they are doing it tough.
“One reports over 50 cancellations in the last weeks, and another quotes two to three cancellations per day … at caravan parks.”
Travellers have been asked “support these communities” where possible, or risk them “not being there next year”.
“Simply stay longer in each area to reduce your fuel use and enjoy all this area and its friendly residents have to offer,” the statement continued.
“It is the Australian way to help our fellow Australians. Let’s all share the load.”
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