Commenting on the story: Govt was warned Adelaide Oval Hotel loan “may not be viable”

So the new Adelaide Oval hotel has some problems – so what?

And the auditor general says  that “ the coronavirus pandemic’s ongoing impact on the stadium’s operations “may present a risk” to its ability to fulfil its loan obligations.”

Hotels are inherently risky because they are subject to what can be and often are highly erratic supply and demand forces outside of anyone’s control. That is the nature of the hotel business. Its not like selling groceries or petrol or renting offices or shops.  

Globally the hotel industry is literally on its knees as a result of the pandemic from Hong Kong to London to New York to Sydney. It is the same everywhere.

To open a new hotel into this market in Australia right now is extremely difficult to say the least. To forecast future performance over the next six, months let alone 12 months or five years, is impossible as no-one knows what is going to happen.

When will normal domestic and international travel resume ? IATA now estimates that international  travel will not return to normal before 2024. The Premier of Victoria cannot say when people in Melbourne will be allowed to leave their houses.

If the SA government needs to give some relief to help the project through what is an unprecedented global meltdown then why should anyone be surprised or for that matter object? – Danny Farrugia

Commenting on the story: Lucas cracks the whip on government advertising 

Several months ago, Minister Speirs reported on ABC radio that $1.2m had been spent on advertising a reduction in water charges.

We attempted to contact the Premier to protest this use of public funds when notification could have been made readily through existing channels like water bills, and $1.2m could have been put to much more ethical and effective use like FoodBank, which is establishing a service in Murray Bridge.

That letter was redirected to Minister Speirs who had authorised the expenditure. Naturally, his response was a defence of his actions and did not address the issue of citizens’ needs and priorities.

We sincerely hope that the Treasurer’s proposed changes address issues like this, and that the bureaucracy is required to know about and factor in how monies can best be distributed for the good of those in need of food, housing and the basic necessities of life. – Carl and Lyn Gross

Commenting on the story: Call to repave Rundle Mall (again) to combat climate change

I was working in the CBD in 2013 when the mall was done, or perhaps one should say, ‘done over‘.

I walked there with a colleague, both of us open minded about the change, despite doubts that such a huge expense was necessary.

We were greeted with a hot, startlingly bare expanse where we couldn’t sit down. The seats, in full sun, were armless and too low for an expectant mother and her senior colleague with a bad back. One hates to think what they will come up with now.

The mall needs a climate change addressing, shade rich, all age-friendly design. For goodness sake, talk to young families and seniors as well as horticulturists before construction! – Myrana Wahlqvist

Commenting on the story: Making ends meet in a no Show year

The article highlights an issue that is impacting many businesses in SA that rely on events for their income. 

SA businesses were encouraged by Govt rhetoric supporting SA as a preferred conference location. Hire companies, logistics companies, hotels, venues often rely on events being held in SA. 

With the uncertainty of COVID restrictions, most events have been cancelled. Border restrictions and the uncertainty and flip/flopping of “acceptable” participant numbers has led to indefinite cancellation of many events.

Unfortunately our politicians are benefiting from short-term voter support for tight restrictions and ignoring the longer term impact to businesses. – Ann Angel