One year after cyclone Yasi slammed Dunk, island is still 'war zone'
DUNK Island has been labelled a "war zone" almost a year after cyclone Yasi hit, with tourism operators claiming they are embarrassed to take visitors to the national park.
The wrecked Dunk Island jetty and condemned jetty cafe mar the spit area that was once a popular day trip destination before the monster storm hit.
Debris, including concrete and glass still litter parts of the beach.
There are no toilet or food facilities for visitors and a sign proclaiming: "DANGER. Do not land" is one of the first things tourists see, despite the State Government reopening the national park island last year.
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Federal Opposition spokesman for tourism Bob Baldwin toured Mission Beach and Dunk Island on Thursday, meeting frustrated business owners who said not enough had been done to clinch their future after Yasi.
They are calling for action and more cash to be spent on tourism infrastructure and want to see the Dunk Island spit transformed into an attractive day use area with water sports again.
Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi owner Nathan Mood told Mr Baldwin he had been struggling since Dunk Island’s resort was destroyed by Yasi.
"Tourists love Dunk Island, that is one of the main things that brings them to Mission Beach," he said.
"We have worked around the closure of the resort and started a $30 snorkelling trip out and around the island, but to be honest, it is embarrassing taking people there because of the mess and the signs, and the fact there is nowhere for them to use the bathroom.
"Practically nothing has been done over there and almost a year has gone by."
Richard Gilroy, a Mission Beach backpacker hostel and restaurant owner said the lack of things to do at Mission Beach was hitting his business.
"Travellers all ask about Reef trips and Dunk Island," he said.
"Who knows when Dunk Island Resort will reopen?"
Scotties Backpacker owner Boyd Scott said Mission Beach lost three Reef operators after cyclone Larry when promised infrastructure was not delivered.
"Unless the State and Federal governments stepped up after Yasi the local tourism industry will die a slow death," he said.
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Disaster area: The jetty that greets visitors to Dunk Island, which was destroyed by cyclone Yasi last year.
