The region’s fire-affected businesses and farmers are still waiting for government grants to open – 29 days after the package was announced, which was 85 days after the first fire.

The state and federal governments announced a $24-million fire recovery package on March 11 – including $5000 Business Bushfire Recovery Grants.

The package also included a Business Recovery Advisory Service; funding for tourism marketing and promotional activities; and $5-million allocation for environmental recovery of public land in the Grampians National Park.

The package was criticised for not only its tardiness, but the lower amounts compared with past fire packages, and funding offered to businesses who had suffered from Queensland natural disasters.

The Yarram Gap fire began in the south-east of the Grampians in December, followed by two other major fires in the Grampians in late January, coinciding with the Little Desert National Park fire.

While most businesses were not physically damaged by the fires, they were forced to close for extended periods of time and also suffered financially through cancelled bookings.

The Weekly Advertiser submitted the following questions to the State Government: when will businesses be able to apply; what has caused the delay; and what is being done to implement the other parts of the funding package.

A State Government spokesperson did not answer the questions, rather pointing to Business Victoria providing an update to registered businesses on March 21, and confirming an email notification will be sent when grant registrations open.

He said the government was supporting small businesses through recovery grants, tourism support and dedicated advice.

“Business recovery advisers are on the ground supporting businesses, providing tailored guidance and financial advice along with support to access a range of state and Commonwealth assistance.”

Member for Mallee Anne Webster, in Halls Gap on Thursday, said she was ‘horrified’ that businesses were still waiting. 

“I cannot believe what I am hearing – that businesses are being told the eligibility criteria still hasn’t been determined, 23 days after federal-state funding was announced,” she said.

“After cyclones or floods in Queensland, generous equivalent state-federal government funding was released in under two weeks, not months. The delay in Victoria is disgraceful’. 

“I call upon the federal and state ministers to intervene immediately and review the adequacy of the funding itself and the delay in delivering it.”

• For Member for Lowan Emma Kealy’s letter on the delay, see page 11.

The entire April 9, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!