I feel the pain. Cairns and the great barrier reef (hamilton island in particular), hold a special place in my heart!
I just took the missus there on our honeymoon this september past. We stayed at the BEAUTIFUL Qualia resort. In fact, i was recommended that place by someone on this very forum! A fact i am very proud of and often use to retort everytime i'm accused of spending too much time on this forum. But i digress
I'm sure you guys will prevail, and i can't wait to go back there and pump in some tourist $ to help stimulate the economy again!