General News
4 March, 2025
Businesses struggle as they wait for bushfire funding
Businesses in the Grampians and Wimmera are facing further devastation as they await compensation for bushfire related closures.
Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said businesses in Halls Gap were forced to close due to fires during their peak Christmas to New Year period, while other communities, like Dimboola, were cut off during the Australia Day long weekend.
"Federal funding exists for disaster-related losses, but relies on State Premiers to write to the Prime Minister seeking support," Dr Webster said.
“North Queensland’s floods started on January 29, their new Premier got cracking seeking the Category C and D relief communities and business need – and it was granted 15 days later."
Dr Webster said despite Halls Gaps being closed over 60 days ago, and the Little Desert fires beginning more than 20 days ago, she was of the impression the Victorian Premier had not asked the Prime Minister for the same support.
“I spoke this week with Rabbi Moshe about the fire’s destruction of the Little Desert Nature Lodge near Nhill and it is heartbreaking," Dr Webster said.
“During the recent sitting fortnight in Canberra, I went to the Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister to discuss this delay.
"The Federal Government says it is standing ready and waiting to assist."
Dr Webster's frustration comes as the Northern Grampians Shire Council had been advocating strongly on behalf of the Halls Gap businessed for the State Goverment to support business grants after the fire.
Council’s advocacy has included promptly completing a business survey and credit card impact assessments in support of the case.
Credit card data shows that spending in Halls Gap has dropped by on average 63 per cent over the past two months compared to the same period last year.
At the one-month mark (17/01/25), businesses had already lost $13 million, and as the fires persisted, an estimated $8 million more has been lost.
Even over the January long weekend — typically a peak trading period — spending was down by 20 per cent.
Cancellations are now extending into May, and under even the most conservative projections — a 20 per cent drop in visitors for the remainder of the year — the area is facing an additional $19 million loss in Gross Regional Product.
Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop said council leaders have worked tirelessly to advocate for state and federal government support to help businesses and tourism operators keep their doors open.
"Many businesses are on the edge and have big cashflow challenges," she said.
"We now await a response from the State Government on our request for business grants under Category ‘D’ of the DRFA."