A week ago Cyclone Debbie hit the coastline of North Queensland with some communities being left in a devastating state. The Australian Marine Industry has moved closer together in the days following to support communities and local businesses on their journey to clean up the mess left behind by the category four storm, and ensure coastal Queensland is open for business.
Superyacht Australia’s CEO MaryAnne Edwards said “Superyacht Australia has been liaising with those businesses affected by this cyclone and ensuring they get the support they need. It is reassuring for these businesses to see the proactive stance insurance companies are taking to get these businesses up and running as soon as possible. We are making strong presentations to the Queensland Government to offer some significant marketing support to the marinas in particular who have suffered from the storms and now need to get the message out globally “We are open for business”.
The Queensland Government has opened access to the Community Recovery Grants Portal to provide immediate support to people effected in the Mackay, Whitsundays and Isaac Regional Council areas.
Cameron Bray, Chair of Superyacht Queensland applauds the Australian superyacht industry and support services involved for swinging into action in the wake of the cyclone. He said “One week following the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Debbie, the recovery mission is taking place in earnest and the Whitsundays is again open for business. The sun is again shinning on the tropical paradise, the turquoise blue waters are glistening and the reef is thriving with marine life. Local businesses and support teams have worked tirelessly to get business up and running as soon as possible, a true testament to the character of the local community. As an industry, we need to band together to ensure yachts and charter guests alike, continue to visit the Whitsundays region. Whilst some of the major resorts are temporarily closed for repairs, key infrastructure such as Abell Point Marina and Hamilton Island Marina are open for business with yachts already coming and going.”
The clean up at Abell Point Marina
Luke McCaul, General Manager of Abell Point Marina located in Airlie Beach has this message for customers looking to visit the region in the coming months. “Whilst it will be a short while to get our services and facilities up and running to our normal standard, our focus is in ensuring our customers are free to explore the beautiful Whitsundays this season. Whether you are planning superyacht charter in region or basing yourself in the Whitsundays this winter, we are determined to have our first class services and facilities ready for your arrival. The resilience and spirit of the boating and Whitsunday community has been incredible. Despite no power, water and limited communications the recovery effort has commenced in full and huge progress is being made throughout the marina precinct. Repair work is underway, the recovery plan is in action, operators are back running and we are well and truly open for business!”
General Manager of Hamilton Island Marina James Burrell assured Superyacht Queensland the marinas doors are reopen, “Our marina has a few repairs required, but largely the marina is in good shape and its business as normal. The Whitsundays is open for business”.
Pantaenius Sail & Motor Yacht Insurance, a passionate industry supporter and leader in superyacht insurance, ensured their clients were a priority throughout the devastation and sent staff to the scene as soon as was possible, to offer support and guidance, and a pair of helping hands to add to the community spirit and reopen the doors to Queensland’s local marinas and marine industry businesses. James MacPhail General Manager Pantaenius Australia said, “It was hard to get up to Queensland but the thirty hour journey was nothing compared to what some of our clients experienced. We were the very first insurer up here and it was overwhelming to see the damage the storm had caused. So far we have inspected all Marinas and are determined to help our customers with their claims and to get them back on track so they can provide their services to locals and visitors from all around the world.”
