THE owner of Orange’s de Russie Suites Mark Madigan says demand for accommodation has dramatically decreased since this time last year, with occupancy rates now sitting at around 69 to 71 per cent.
Mr Madigan said while the accommodation market had “boomed” 12 to 18 months ago “with every boom there’s a tendency for there to be a bust”.
He attributed the decline in demand to the “sudden exodus” of a large number of Cadia Valley Operations’ staff and contractors.
“There’s more availability now than there was 12 months ago,” Mr Madigan said.
“Orange does need more accommodation, and I’ve never said that’s not the case, but it needs to be based on sustainability.”
Mr Madigan said he thought Orange could do with another quality accommodation venue and praised the tourism development strategy as a step in the right direction.
“Any tourism initiative is a good initiative, it’s just how it’s executed.”