PLENTY has changed in the Far North since the mid-1950s, but one thing that hasn't is the demand for plumbers. 

Soaking wet seasons have ensured Innisfail business EH Westbury & Co has had plenty of work since they started way back in 1956.

Founding owners Ted and Betty Westbury have decided the time has come to retire and enjoy some much needed R&R.

Their son Barry, who also works has a plumber, is planning a long holiday.

"It has always been full on working here,'' Barry Westbury said.

"The wet weather is a curse for some bot for others like us it is a blessing. That still holds true now as we have another eight jobs left over from Cyclone Larry.

"I don't know what I am going to do, but am looking forward to four-to-six weeks travelling and camping with my wife.''

Back in the 1950s, much of the plumbing work involved fixing leaky water tanks, with the town heavily dependent on natural water.

More recently they have been heavily involved with large supermarket projects in Innisfail.

"It was always busy, except for a time in the early 1980s when the price of sugar fell and everything was struggling.`` Barry Westbury said.

Agent for Knight Frank Cairns, Martin Lee, said investors could buy the business, the freehold or some 1940s units out the back.

The units are believed to have been used as a brothel during World War II.

"I would think it is the oldest continually running plumbing business in North Queensland,'' Mr Lee said.

"I would think it would be an excellent buy for an entrepreneurial young plumber.''

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