Critical housing shortage faced by Douglas working holidaymakers

There have been numerous posts daily on local social media pages from itinerant jobseekers looking for both work and accommodation.

Miguel from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador was one of the lucky ones who was able to secure a rental lease in Douglas before the peak season, but it was harder for him to find work.

“I'm kind struggling to find a job here, I've worked in Sydney before for like 6 months,” he posted.

“I have experience as bartender, barista (not latte art sadly), runner, housekeeping, kitchenhand and room service, furthermore I will happy as well as dishwasher or try something new.”

Miguel said he wanted to stay for “the whole season or till Port Douglas wants me here haha, also got my own accommodation for the long term (6 to 9 months).”

Others have put the word out in advance for both jobs and somewhere to stay. One couple from South Australia said they wanted to move here in June and were hoping to stay for four-five months or longer.

“Just wondering what it’s like in the way of finding jobs and accommodation as there is little on the rental market and how many people are posting looking for work,” they said.

Low availability, high costs

The Port Douglas page administrator, Keithea Schaedler, responded with some advice: “If you read through the many posts in the group seeking similar advice, you'll quickly grasp that the rental market is stressed, many long term locals unable to find properties, and we're not into the high tourist season yet,” she said.

“You are likely to find work during the months you identify, which are effectively the high season here, but not so sure about somewhere to live.”

‘Budget’ rentals elusive

It also seems ‘budget’ accommodation will be a thing of the past for many. One poster was looking for a place to move into “anywhere in Mossman, Port Douglas or the surrounding areas,” but had a budget of $150-200 for rent, preferably including bills.

A small family was also seeking accommodation: “My partner and I & our 7 year old daughter looking for a long term rental asap. We are open to properties 2 or 1 bedroom unit preferably in Port Douglas even if it’s shared with good people we can afford $300/$400 a fortnight if needed please.”

Even single rooms are difficult to find at that price now; an example: “Room Available in 4 mile area. $300 p/w power included Freshly renovated with spacious room and modern ensuite. Single female, non smoker.”

Another traveller had found an apartment to lease and was hoping to split the rent: “Looking for potential roommate: I’ve found a 2 bed apartment to rent, $600 a week plus bills ($300 each), unfurnished, 6 month lease, must have a full time job and be nice to live with.”

Tourism industry outlook

Local tourism organisation head Tara Bennett believes while most holiday workers should be able to find jobs over the coming peak season, it might be a different story with securing somewhere to stay, especially at backpacker accommodation places.

“From February ‘til now there has been availability for backpackers,” Ms Bennett told Newsport. “My understanding though is that they will be full from May onwards.”

The Tourism Port Douglas Daintree CEO said one positive is that increasingly, hotels and resorts are buying or leasing budget accommodation for their staff.

Workers as boarders

It’s also very likely the Adopt A Worker program – in which homeowners host workers as boarders over the season – will be continued this year.

“The program’s basically been paused since the last season, and we will look to open up messaging around Adopt A Worker in mid-May.”

While rising interest rates are putting increasing pressure on many homeowners, Ms Bennett said that factor might also work in favour of making more accommodation available for holiday workers in Douglas.

“Rising interest rates and costs of living may mean that people who haven’t looked at renting out rooms in the past are more open to that, so it could be opening up a little bit more capacity.”