Challenges and Headwinds Facing Townsville's Business Sector This Year

Townsville retailers and service firms lost thousands in transactions on July 8 when the Telstra outage knocked out EFTPOS terminals and card readers from Flinders Street to the port.

The disruption arrived as businesses already grapple with higher insurance premiums, fuel costs and delays on the Bruce Highway upgrade north of the city. Local operators say the combination threatens cash flow at a time when winter visitor numbers have yet to offset the quieter months.

Daily disruptions in the CBD and port precinct

Staff at stores along Flinders Mall and inside the Townsville Bulletin Square reported queues stretching out doors while customers waited for cash-only workarounds. The Townsville Chamber of Commerce logged more than 120 calls from members between 9am and 2pm that day, many from hospitality venues near The Strand that could not process lunch payments. Further out, logistics firms at the Port of Townsville faced similar blocks when drivers could not confirm deliveries through company apps.

One Ross River Road wholesaler described turning away three trucks because paperwork could not be verified electronically. The same firm had already absorbed a 12 per cent rise in diesel costs since January.

Chamber data released this week showed average daily card turnover for member businesses fell 28 per cent on July 8 compared with the previous Wednesday. Backup generator and satellite terminal packages now start at $4,200 installed, a price many smaller operators say they cannot meet before the next rates notice arrives in August.

Next steps for operators

Businesses are being urged to test dual-payment systems before the end of the month and register for the council’s small-business resilience workshop scheduled for 22 July at the Townsville Civic Theatre. Those who complete the session receive a 15 per cent rebate on approved satellite hardware purchased before 30 September.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.