Grampians: Businesses upset at receiving only $5000 for big losses caused by summer fires

Eagerly-awaited bushfire support funding for Grampians businesses has been finally delivered, but recipients are upset at what’s on offer.

Western Victorian businesses forced to close for weeks due to the Grampians bushfire have been left feeling angry and short-changed after finally receiving long-awaited disaster support grants.

The federal government’s grants of only $5000 have been described as a “spit in the face” by one Halls Gap business owner when compared to North Queensland businesses receiving $25,000 following major flooding around the same time.

The federal and Victorian governments announced on Tuesday a total package of $29m for western Victorian businesses.

It followed delays in the Victorian government writing to the federal government seeking the Category C and D disaster support funding as required.

Halls Gap adventure tours business owner Adrian Manikas said the amount on offer didn’t go close to matching the impact on trade.

“$5000 is covering maybe a third of our fortnightly payroll,” he said.

“It wasn’t just the two months we couldn’t operate.

“It was a key booking window for the next six months.

“To be assuming the delay was to understand the situation better, and then to come out with a package that clearly shows there is absolutely no understanding of the impact, is a massive spit in the face.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan fly over the Grampians bushfires.

“No one was expecting to get the total sum of their lost revenue replaced,” Mr Manikas said.

“It was always going to be a little bit of help and it was going to be a fine line between it being useful and kind of offensive.

“It would almost be better if they turned around and said we don’t have any money and can’t help.”

Another Halls Gap business owner upset by the funding announced said they were totally restructuring their operations in response to lost revenue and a reduction in bookings in coming months.

Mallee MP Anne Webster was also angered by the disaster funding outcome.

“The region needs a helping hand to get its businesses thriving again, turbocharging tourism and getting people visiting again,” she said.

“At the moment, all they are getting are tokenistic gestures and lip service from out of touch governments in Spring Street and in Canberra.”

Perin Davey, Peter Dutton, Anne Webster and Dan Tehan visit the Grampians following the bushfires Picture: Supplied

Victorian Small Business and Employment Minister Natalie Suleyman said: “We’re supporting our small businesses in western Victoria to get back on their feet following the bushfires.

“Through recovery grants, tourism support and dedicated business advice, we can keep the doors open to one of the most beautiful parts of Victoria.”

Originally published as Grampians: Businesses upset at receiving only $5000 for big losses caused by summer fires