While it is not uncommon for governments to offer assistance to tourism-reliant regions and towns which have seen visitors numbers plummet in the wake of fire or flood events, it is incredibly rare for that same support to be offered as the result of a single violent crime.
But that is exactly what is happening in regional Victoria following the murder of two policemen on August 26.
With the manhunt for the alleged killer, Dezi Freeman continues, tourism to the Porepunkah area, at the foot of Mount Buffalo in the state’s north east, has reportedly fallen off a cliff.
While it is hoped that the recent easing of travel restrictions to the area will make a difference, it is clear that many people – grey nomads amongst them – will still be wary of visiting while the search for the suspected offender, who is believed to be well armed, is ongoing.
Visitors are urged to remain vigilant as the hunt for the alleged police killer continues. PIC: Aviz Media / Pexels
Victorian police are urging any visitors to the area to remain ‘vigilant’.
This week, the Treasurer Jaclyn Symes announced that up to $2.5 million will be delivered to support the visitor economy in Porepunkah, Bright and surrounding region including: $5,000 grants for eligible businesses that have experienced significant disruptions and revenue losses; financial support for the Alpine Shire Council and the local business chamber to support community activities and events; tourism marketing and promotional activities to boost visitor numbers; and funding to support longer term tourism in the region.
In addition, several existing supports remain available, including the Beyond Blue New Access program, the Partners in Wellbeing Helpline, and the Small Business Debt Helpline, among others.
While the package will support small businesses to get through what is clearly a challenging period, everyone in the area is clearly relishing a returning to something like normal after the issue is resolved.
Minister for Tourism Steve Dimopoulous said that, when was is safe to, he encouraged people to take the opportunity to travel to Porepunkah which is in ‘one of the most stunning regions of our state and nation’.
Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, said the past weeks had been incredibly difficult for the people of Porepunkah and surrounding towns, who he said had endured ongoing uncertainty and financial strain.
“It is fantastic that travel warnings are being lifted and that visitors can once again return to Porepunkah and Bright,” he said. “These towns rely heavily on tourism, and while we know people will be delighted to come back and enjoy what this beautiful part of Victoria has to offer, we must also acknowledge the very real financial pain our businesses have suffered.”
Mr McCurdy said many operators in the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors had seen cancellations, lost bookings and sharp declines in trade during what should have been a busy time.
“These businesses have done it tough and it will take time to recover, they cannot simply bounce back overnight,” he said. “Our community is resilient, and the spirit of our towns is strong.”
Mr McCurdy says the area is open for business and ready to welcome visitors back.
“Now more than ever, we need people to come, stay, eat, shop and experience the very best that regional Victoria has to offer,” he said. “Together we can help local businesses get back on their feet.”
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We were scheduled to arrive in the area in November. If he hasn’t been caught we will still be avoiding the area. Another time.
That will help no-one and put another nail in the coffin of those areas affected. You may as well never drive again as you will be at far more risk.
We’re putting our 3 week stay in the area off until it is safe. The businesses will survive with government handouts