The Lord Howe Island community is looking forward to the day when they can once again allow visitors to enjoy a holiday in paradise.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The island has a population of 400 residents and 95 per cent of them are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Residents have not been immune to NSW Public Health Orders, even though there have been no cases of COVID-19 on the island, as the heritage listed location is considered to be part of regional NSW.
The island community has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, given the strong reliance on visitation to boost its tourism industry.
Plans to reopen
The Lord Howe Island Tourism Association is asking visitors to consider being fully vaccinated and taking a COVID-19 test, prior to travelling to Lord Howe Island.
"We're looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Lord Howe Island following another COVID-19 lockdown in late 2021," the association's website states.
"We're keen to protect our residents, staff and visitors from the threat of the virus."
"We're pleased to advise 95 per cent of the island's residents are now fully vaccinated, meaning our tiny island off the New South Wales coast remains a safe and enjoyable holiday destination for visitors."
The NSW roadmap out of lockdown is looking at how to keep communities COVID-safe into the future when the entire state opens back up.
Freedoms will apply for fully vaccinated adults only. This will happen from the first Monday after the state reaches a 70 per cent double dose vaccination coverage target, which is expected in October.
Regional travel will now not be allowed until 80 per cent (fully vaccinated only), and a booking cap has been introduced for hospitality venues of 20 people per booking.
Jack Shick is a fifth generation islander who runs walking tours for visitors up Mount Gower and fishing charters on the island, but has been forced to cease operation of his business due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Shick is fully vaccinated, along with 95 per cent of the island's population.
"I think most people thought we'd get vaccinated just in case it gets here, so you've got a bit of a barrier up," he said.
"I think if COVID-19 got to the island it would go through the community like a whirlwind," he said.
Tourism impact
Arajilla Retreat owner Bill Shead estimates the island has lost millions of dollars in profit due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The island has a capacity of 400 visitors at any one time and demand for visiting the island has been strong.
However lockdowns have forced many to cancel, reorganise and reschedule their holidays.
Arajilla Retreat last welcomed visitors to the island in May, 2021.
Mr Shead said he remains uncertain if the island will be able to reopen to visitors in October, despite the high vaccination rate in NSW.
"It depends on what the government decides," he said.
"We've got staff here waiting to work and who are all ready to go."
Mr Shead said there's been huge demand from people who want to stay at the Arajilla Retreat.
"There have been many cancellations due to the lockdowns and as much as possible we've been moving them to available dates," he said.
Mr Shick is also looking forward to the day when the island can once again meet its capacity for visitation.
He said bookings for the end of November and December are already "crazy busy".
Brad Wilson is the owner of Sea Lord Howe and said majority of residents rely on income from tourism.
He said it's been nice for residents to have the island to themselves through the lockdown periods but they are looking forward to welcoming visitors back.
Life in lockdown
Mr Shick said he feels privileged to live on the island and has been enjoying the beauty of it while in lockdown.
"I haven't had so much fun since I was a kid," he said.
"There's always something to do on the island, whether it be snorkeling, fishing, hiking or swimming."
There's also been no panic buying of toilet paper either - with a steady supply of services being delivered to the island from Port Macquarie.
Mr Shick said the ship and plane services leaving Port Macquarie have been a "god send" for the island.
"You can ring up a shop in Port Macquarie to get something delivered to the island," he said.
Also making the news:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @macleayargus
- Follow us on Instagram: @macleayargus