The Bright and District Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned about the catastrophic downturn in business activity across Bright, Porepunkah and the surrounding areas as a direct result of the manhunt currently underway by Victoria Police.
Chamber president Marcus Warner said visitor numbers in the region have collapsed, bookings are being cancelled en masse and turnover for many businesses has dropped to unsustainable levels.
He said for some operators, during traditionally one of the busiest times of the year, they are now facing empty streets, empty tills and mounting uncertainty.
“The economic impact is devastating," Mr Warner said on Tuesday, as the manhunt entered its third week.
"In a matter of days, we’ve seen businesses lose the equivalent of an entire month’s income: and there’s no clear end in sight.
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"While the chamber fully supports the efforts of Victoria Police and recognises the need to prioritise community safety, the lack of certainty around the situation is creating significant stress and hardship for local operators, workers and their families.
"The chamber is urgently calling on state and federal governments to: provide immediate financial relief packages for affected businesses, deliver clear and timely communication to the community and visitors and develop a recovery plan to restore confidence in the region once the situation resolves.
“We cannot afford to stand by while small businesses, the backbone of our local economy, are pushed to breaking point.
“Without swift government support, we risk long-term damage to our tourism economy, local jobs and the vitality of our Alpine communities.”
Mr Warner said the chamber will continue to work closely with local operators, emergency services and has valued the support from Nationals' MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy, and Indi federal MP Helen Haines, who have pledged their support to ensure the region’s economic recovery remains a top priority once the immediate situation has passed.
In the Victorian Parliament yesterday, Mr McCurdy called on Treasurer Jaclyn Symes to urgently deliver an economic support package for the communities of Bright and Porepunkah.
“For good reason, Victoria Police have asked visitors to stay away while the manhunt continues,” he said.
“But the banker waits for nobody, the landlord still has her hand out and the kids still need to eat.
"These businesses and families are on their knees.
"They cannot wait weeks or months for help; they need support right now.
“The Treasurer must step up and deliver a targeted support package.
"These families and businesses are paying the price for circumstances completely outside their control.”
Mr McCurdy said he stood with the local communities and would continue to fight for immediate financial assistance.
“The people of Bright and Porepunkah have shown remarkable resilience during this unprecedented situation, but resilience won’t pay the bills," he said.
"They need urgent economic relief to get through the weeks ahead.”
Alpine Shire Mayor, Councillor Sarah Nicholas, said last week that council is working closely with state agencies to ensure additional mental health, personal and community wellbeing support is made available on the ground.
"We are also having constructive conversations around increased resources to meet the needs of our community: not just now, but in the weeks and months ahead."
