by Mat Churchill

Danielle is just one of the many people affected by the closure of Bale Resort Port Douglas. With her wedding less than a month away, she is frustrated with the response to her dilemma.

"The wedding was booked over a year ago for April 9. We came up to Port Douglas, my Mum and my Dad, in early February and we sat down and did all the menu and everything.

"They took another $1140 late last week (week ending 5 March) for accommodation. That was Bale directly," she said.

Port Douglas Resorts, who owned the management letting rights to Bale Resort advised staff that their services would no longer be required last Tuesday, with the property closing immediately thereafter.

The Mantra Group, who own the Bale trademark, released a statement saying their team "is relocating guests to other properties within the portfolio", however Mantra's Public Relations manager, Susan Sullivan, says that this is an act of good will as Mantra have no direct role in the management of Bale.

"We'd prefer that they stayed up in the Port Douglas region and had that holiday experience," she said.

Danielle, who resides in Melbourne, said she had spoken with a Mantra representative who told her their money "is tied up", however according to Mantra, these funds were apparently paid to Port Douglas Resorts.

"I just want an apology. . . It would have been nice if  Alan Porteous (director of Port Douglas Resorts). . .one of them, to just make a phone call or email apologising, that would've been nice. Just take responsibility and apologise," Danielle said.

Mantra have since offered discounted rates on rooms for the family and their guests along with two free nights for Danielle and her partner at their local resorts including Peppers Beach Club.

Danielle's family has a close affiliation with Port Douglas having visited the town for the past ten years.

"We love Port Douglas. My sister got married up there and it gives you some ill feeling. It's not the rest of Port Douglas's fault, we're trying to support you guys at this time." 

Reporter's Comments: It appears that the complex structure of the business has played a big role in creating this confusion for the family. Should it be the responsibility of the guests to understand this structure, or should Mantra's involvement, no matter how minor, mean it should honour Port Douglas Resorts' contracts? What are your thoughts?