Farmers in the Scenic Rim are navigating a mixed outlook as cost pressures collide with changing tourism patterns, with some businesses feeling the strain while others see opportunity closer to home.
Agritourism Queensland President and Tommerup’s Dairy Farm owner Kay Tommerup said the sector was seeing contrasting trends locally, with some operators reporting cancellations while others were benefiting from travellers staying closer to home.
“Agritourism operators are seeing a bit of a mixed picture at the moment, even within the Scenic Rim,” she said.
“Across the state, particularly in more remote areas, some operators are really struggling, with fewer caravans coming through, which would normally be happening this time of year.”
She said local operators were seeing contrasting trends, with some reporting increased demand as travellers opted to stay closer to home.
“Some operators offering camping are actually a bit busier than usual, as people are looking for somewhere closer,” she said.
“People still want to get away, but they’re trying to limit how far they travel and how much they spend on fuel.”
The variability extends to events and accommodation, with some businesses reporting cancellations while others maintain steady bookings.
“We are finding that ticket sales for events are slower,” she said.
“They are still selling, but not at the same pace, as people are waiting until closer to the date before committing.”
Beyond tourism, farm operations continue to face rising costs, particularly fuel and fertiliser, adding further pressure to businesses operating across both sectors.
“I’ve just paid the largest fuel account we’ve ever had in our time of farming, and that is quite confronting,” she said.
The increased costs are prompting changes on the ground, with farmers reassessing how they manage resources.
“We are being much more strategic in how we operate, from which paddocks we plant to how we manage machinery use,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she said the region’s proximity to major population centres presented an opportunity.
“If we can encourage people to stay closer to home, that could help offset some of the broader pressures,” she said.
“There is always a way through, but it is about balancing rising costs with what customers can realistically afford.”
