Key PointsAn island in Queensland is not accepting money funds at any of its shops.The favored vacationer vacation spot grew to become cashless over well being considerations in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.Its administration staff has determined to proceed the coverage, citing well being and wellbeing, comfort and safety.
Holidays at one among Australia’s hottest tourism locations have modified lately — and never all people is joyful about it.
The privately owned North Queensland island not accepts money funds at any of its shops.
Hamilton Island formally grew to become a cashless surroundings in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its operators determined to proceed the coverage on an ongoing foundation regardless of the relief of pandemic restrictions.
“The selection to turn out to be cashless was pushed by the crucial to make sure the security of our visitors and workers in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Hamilton Island web site reads.
“Following the relief of pandemic restrictions, we now have opted to proceed this method.”
The web site claims cashless transactions facilitate a extra hygienic surroundings for visitors and workers, and a “hassle-free and environment friendly” solution to make funds.
The administration staff additionally cited safety and a lowered danger of loss or theft as contributing components behind the choice to stay cashless.
Some members of the Fb group Money Is King criticised the coverage, and prompt boycotting the island.
“Everyone ought to boycott it then, no one go there and see how lengthy it lasts,” Jodie Baker wrote.
“Too costly anyway, they will hold their cashless society and keep there,” Frank Torcaso wrote.
Hamilton Island grew to become a cashless surroundings in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, however the coverage has continued. Supply: Fb / Money Is King
One other person had a unique view.
“I am professional money, however this one is smart? There aren’t any banks,”
“Transferring money round for small enterprise can be a significant ache and value, although I feel the entire joint is owned by the identical conglomerate. Was there late final 12 months, wasn’t fussed.”
Money deposits and withdrawals might be made on the island utilizing the Financial institution@Submit service on the Australia Submit workplace, the place money will also be exchanged for pre-paid or top-up Credit cards.
Charge-free card funds might be processed through cheque and financial savings accounts by EFTPOS, however a 1.25 per cent surcharge applies to credit score and ‘faucet and go’ transactions made through credit score or debit playing cards.