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🇦🇺 Australia /Economy & Trade

Outback businesses blame Live Traffic NSW for customer downturn

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Outback businesses in New South Wales are experiencing a significant downturn, attributing losses partly to inaccurate road closure information on the Live Traffic NSW website and app.
  • Business owners report that the website fails to update promptly or accurately reflect road conditions, particularly for 4WD-only access, deterring tourists during peak seasons.
  • Transport for NSW acknowledges road damage from heavy rainfall and states that crews are working on repairs and improving information dissemination, prioritizing safety.

Small businesses in Australia's outback are struggling with a severe downturn, with owners pointing to inaccurate and outdated information on the Live Traffic NSW website as a major contributing factor. Mia Degoumois, who has operated the Packsaddle Roadhouse for 24 years, described the situation as causing "a massive downturn in business," with tourist numbers down by an eighth this winter, typically the busiest season.

Information doesn't seem to catch up.

— Mia DegoumoisDescribing the issues with the Live Traffic NSW website and app.

Degoumois highlighted that the Live Traffic NSW website and app often confuse travelers. "Information doesn't seem to catch up," she said, noting that while local reports might be accurate, they don't always flow to the official traffic platform. This discrepancy is particularly damaging when the website is considered the primary source for travel information. Her business has seen sales drop by approximately $200,000 in the past six months, a loss she and other remote businesses partially blame on these inaccuracies.

You get good local reports which are accurate, but sometimes it seems they don't flow on to Live Traffic and that's not a good thing, especially when everyone's being told that's the go-to to get your information.

— Mia DegoumoisExplaining the disconnect between local knowledge and official traffic updates.

Adding to the problem, the Live Traffic NSW platform only offers "open" or "closed" statuses. This means roads accessible only to 4WD vehicles after heavy rains are often listed as closed, further limiting potential visitors. Rebecca Young, owner of the Milparinka Hotel for 26 years, called this her worst year of trade, also citing the inaccurate road information.

I don't really know what the problem is. I can't see why it is a problem, like, why they can't fix it and make it easy.

— Mia DegoumoisExpressing frustration over the persistent issues with the traffic information system.

Transport for NSW acknowledged that extensive rainfall had damaged roads across the far west, with several remaining closed. A spokesperson emphasized that safety is the highest priority and that crews are actively inspecting and repairing routes. The department stated it is continuously seeking ways to improve the disruption information provided to the public. However, for businesses like Degoumois', the delay in accurate updates means continued financial hardship.

A lot of times it feels like you're so far outback that no-one really cares unless they want to travel [here].

— Mia DegoumoisVoicing a sense of neglect felt by remote business owners.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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