Lack of affordable accommodation fears heightened by sale of Dougies Backpackers Resort

RESORT SOLD

David Gardiner

Journalist

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Fears that Dougies Backpacker Resort will be knocked down, leaving fewer affordable accommodation options for workers.

There are fears that the change of ownership at an iconic Port Douglas backpacker resort will put further pressure on the lack of affordable accommodation for hospitality workers in the resort town.

Dougies Backpackers Resort in Davidson Street is under contract to be sold to a new owner.

The resort has provided budget accommodation for numerous ‘permanent’ or longer-term workers in restaurants and hotels over several years.

Speculation has been rife over the future of the resort, with posters on social media saying they have heard Dougies will be “knocked down” in 12 months’ time, and that they might not be able to find accommodation so they can stay in the area for work.

“I feel for the businesses in town & the owners of Dougies that have put their sweat, heart and soul into the place for 24 years, I'd say there's at least 100 workers living here at the moment, there is going to be no affordable accommodation here soon,” one worker – who lives at Dougies –said on Facebook.

Newsport was told that a direct offer to buy was made to co-owner, Steve Yarr, after the resort was previously put on the market through Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty.

The sale amount for the property, on just over two acres (or 0.8 hectares) of prime land, has not been disclosed.

Mr Yarr respectfully declined to comment on the sale other than to say he has been in talks with the new owners about “working towards how it can continue as a going concern.”

It is possible that sale conditions could include keeping the resort and its accommodation ‘as is’ for at least another year before any changes are made or re-builds started.

Mr Yarr was concerned that there were a lot of social media comments “with no facts and that sort of thing” since word of the impending sale spread around Port Douglas.

“Dougies plays a significant role in providing low-cost accommodation for holidaymakers and hospitality industry workers seeking affordable housing until state and international travel resumes”, QSIR marketing and sales agent, Lynn Malone, said at the time the business went on the market.

“As many businesses scramble to remain viable, Dougies is well poised for expediential growth and situated in a five-star development location.”

The hostel-style resort was recreated to target hospitality workers and holiday travellers. There is accommodation for 140 guests with a range of bungalows, tents and share rooms.

Facilities include a reception centre, restaurant, bar, beer garden, café and shop, swimming pool and a projection screen for hosting sporting events and movies.

At the time Dougies was put on the market, Mr Yarr said: "Over the past 23 years, it has been a rewarding experience for Heather and me as the owner-managers of Dougies. Now it's time for the next phase of our lives as we make time to travel and for me, fine-tuning my golf game.”

Dougies ‘permanents’ concerned they won’t be able to find alternative places to stay to work in Port Douglas.

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