General News
16 January, 2025
Grampians' peak tourism season fizzling following slow bushfire recovery
Peter Dutton visited fire-affected communities of Halls Gap, Pomonal.
Tourism and hospitality operators are calling on their fellow Australians for dire support following another devastating blaze that tore through the Grampians.
At a time when the region should be enjoying a bumper post-COVID holiday season, businesses are struggling following the second bushfire in the region within 12 months.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton visited fire-affected communities in Halls Gap and Pomonal to witness the devastation caused by the 2024 Grampians National Park bushfire and hear directly from those affected.
MPs Anne Webster and Dan Tehan invited Mr Dutton and senator Perin Davey to meet with local business owners and volunteers to discuss recovery efforts after the December 17 bushfire.
"The meetings we've had this morning have been pretty confronting," he said on January 15.
"All Australians watched their television screens in horror when they saw these bushfires raging.
"When you think about the impact on lives, livestock and business, it is devastating. While the cameras have moved on, the devastation is still here to be dealt with."
Mr Dutton said the local wineries, accommodation providers and tourism centres could not function without an influx of tourists.
"They need your support; many of them are on their knees," he said.
"Every Australian thinking about going on a holiday during the Australia Day long weekend or Easter... even if you want to go at the end of the year and make a deposit, please think about Halls Gap and the Grampians.
"This is an incredible natural resource within our country. Australians enjoyed it in their tens of thousands. We want them back."
On December 30, some disaster assistance was activated for the municipalities of Ararat, Macedon Ranges, Northern Grampians and Southern Grampians.
However, Mr Dutton said Victoria's Labor government should seek exceptional circumstances from the Prime Minister within the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
"I call on the Victorian Premier to work hand in glove with us - we will offer support in a bipartisan way - to get Category D assistance here on the ground," he said.
"That is the best way to offer financial support to businesses that are employing hundreds of local residents."
For three weeks, the Grampians National Park bushfire burnt more than 76,700 hectares of land and destroyed four homes in Moyston and Mafeking.
Zoo could lose up to $350,000 during peak season
Mr Dutton met with Halls Gap Zoo owners Mark and Lisa Treweek, who described the economic blow their business has suffered due to the decline in tourism.
When asked how the bushfires affected his busiest time of year, Mr Treweek noted the stark difference in visitor numbers.
"Normally, at this time of morning, our car park would be half full," he said.
"While the February 2024 bushfire in Pomonal didn't hurt us, this one is massive.
"Unfortunately, many families who would be holidaying in the Grampians during this time of year have rebooked and gone elsewhere.
"We're only getting about a quarter of people through the gates as we normally would."
Mr Treweek estimated the zoo could lose up to $350,000 this summer due to the drop in visitors.
Dr Webster criticizes slow government support
The MPs joined an in-depth roundtable at the Halls Gap Hotel with affected business owners, local council representatives, and tourism advocates.
Dr Webster said during the honest and open conversation, the message was stark.
"Most of the local businesses spoke about how tough they are doing it," she said.
"The government has not been fast enough to act and bring the support they need.
"Halls Gap business community is the lifeblood of this region... because insurance is not stepping up and supporting the community, we will lose tourism for this region."