A lifeline for businesses

Broome tourism businesses struggling to make ends meet without a visitor market have their sights set on the State Government’s latest recovery funding lifeline. Premier Mark McGowan last week announced $4 million worth of grants ranging between $25,000 and $100,000 were set to be handed out to operators hardest hit by government restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the scheme, which would also see 1600 accredited businesses in WA receive a one-off $6500 payment, was designed to benefit areas that had suffered the most, including the Kimberley, focusing on WA’s “iconic experiences”. Operators in the region, which remains shut off from the rest of the world during its peak May-October period, now face an anxious wait to find out if their businesses qualify. Among those crossing their fingers are Broome Whale Watching owners Cameron and Valerie Birch, with a group aboard their boat Ballena, pictured, who believe the money “might just” keep them afloat until the 2021 tourist season. Mr Birch said the couple were grateful for any financial assistance they were given. “The $6500 grant will look after us for the next month, we are very appreciative of that in this tough period,” he said. “If we were to get between $30,000-$40,000 that would go a long way with everything involved in maintaining our company and help any local business we are drumming up.” The pair recently launched cheap whale tour specials for parties of up to 10 people, but Mr Birch said it was an unviable long-term model if the region’s borders were not to open soon. “We are doing all we can, it has been a trying couple of months and hopefully we are coming out the other end of this period full of unknowns soon,” he said. Australia’s North West Tourism chief executive Natasha Mahar said while “mum and dad-type” operations such as BWW would benefit from a bigger WA fund, it may be a drop in the ocean for others with higher operating costs. Ms Mahar said ANWT was grateful for any financial aid for operators to keep them ticking. Broome Visitor Centre manager Mel Virgo said assistance for businesses in the tourist town was vital and would soften the blows from border restrictions.