UNCERTAINTY and cancelled bookings have put a dampener on the Easter weekend, but Straddie Chamber of Commerce president Colin Battersby says island businesses are ready to welcome guests.
Greater Brisbane was plunged into a snap lockdown on Monday, with residents worried it would extend over the weekend.
But Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced this morning that the lockdown would end at 12pm, five hours earlier than initially planned.
Mr Battersby said prior to lockdown, he had $400,000 worth of bookings for his holiday accommodation business on North Stradbroke Island, but had lost about 10 per cent of the Easter weekend profits to refunds after cancellations.
"There were a few groups who wanted to come up from Byron and they weren't sure if they would be able to go back," he said.
"But you take what you can get."
The state government was criticised in May 2020 after lifting a travel ban on the island with one day's notice, a move which left many businesses unprepared to open.
Mr Battersby said this time around, they were ready and raring to go.
"Fortunately we didn't down tools [during the lockdown] so we're ready to go."
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland said uncertainty was driving down business confidence, with a survey showing small and medium businesses expected to lose up to $65,000 during the three-day lockdown.
Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce president Rebecca Young said it was important that residents felt safe to get out and about over the Easter weekend to help struggling businesses.
Mr Battersby said the lockdown would have an ongoing impact on Queensland tourism.
"What we're hearing from people is why would you book in Queensland? You might not be able to go or you might get stuck there," he said.
He encouraged people to visit the island and support local businesses over the weekend.
"Come and say g'day and spend some money," he said.
"Come over to beautiful Straddie."
