Mackay businesses battle staff shortages, declining foot-traffic and supply chain disruptions

Businesses across Mackay are battling an Omicron storm of staff shortages and declining foot-traffic.

As businesses encourage employers to work from home amid climbing Covid case numbers, foot traffic through city centres – including Mackay – is plummeting.

Hospitality and tourism businesses, in particular, have felt the pressure of managing Covid in the workplace while also battling supply chain issues.

Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce vice president Sarah Miotto said businesses were operating with skeleton staff because of isolation requirements.

“So many small businesses, particularly in our city centre, are working with skeleton staff due to isolation requirements – and are further impacted as office workers are being advised where possible to work from home,” she said.

For Mackay’s CBD traders, including Jeremiah Bullfrogs, the decline in foot traffic has been significant.

“Just taking it day by day, that’s all you can do in these times,” manager Leanne Reid said.

“In quiet times, we do stocktake, just to keep ourselves busy.”

A Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland Pulse Survey found almost 50 per cent of businesses had experienced major or critical constraints on staff availability.

The report noted about 40 per cent of Mackay businesses had suffered major or critical supply chain disruptions, with a disproportionate effect on the construction, electricity, gas, water and waste services, wholesale trade, healthcare and social assistance and retail trade industries.

Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce president Geoff O’Connor has urged the community to buy local and support small business.

“Local business is essential to our community, and it is up to our community to show their support, ‘send a platter to a friend in isolation, buy a coffee from your favourite cafe despite not heading into the office, or support local retail via their online stores,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Not everyone is able to work from home, and as a community we need to be mindful of small businesses who might not be starting the year so well, if you have the means, get out there and support local.”