Time to back fire-hit areas

Once the bushfire crisis has passed and people return to their homes and businesses, it will be vital for each of us to support those directly affected.

A helicopter drops water on spot fires in the Central Highlands. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

TASMANIAN firefighters have welcomed the chance catch a relatively smoke-free breath with cooler conditions taking the pressure off our bushfire crisis … for now.

But fire chiefs warn that it’s still not over and communities should remain vigilant as more than 24 fires still burn across the state.

Hopefully rain forecast today will be heavy and widespread, allowing crews to douse the flames — especially for blazes which are a direct threat to communities.

It’s a good time to reflect on the longer-term threats to these areas.

Once the crisis has passed and people return to their homes and businesses, it will be vital for each of us to support those directly affected. But how do we do that?

Many of us living in areas away from the direct fire threat have felt powerless watching our state burn.

Yesterday the Mercury listed the organisations and individuals who have been providing direct assistance during the fire crisis and we encourage everyone to dig deep and help where they can.

But there is another way we can support fire-hit communities, long after the last bit of smoke has cleared.

We can get in our cars and go for a drive.

Huon Valley mayor Bec Enders has spoken of dozens of businesses which have been largely cut off by road closures and affected smoky conditions from the Riveaux Rd blaze.

The same applies for areas including Maydena and Mt Field National Park in the Derwent Valley and the Great Lake Hotel in the Central Highlands.

Once it is safe to do so, locals should spend some time — and more importantly money — in these fire-hit regions.

Head south to Huonville and beyond and drop in at the Wooden Boat Centre at Franklin and pick up a few bottles from Frank’s Cider across the road.

Drive to Geeveston and visit Fiona McAlpine’s Baker & Co Providore and Patisserie, stop at the Kermandie Hotel for a meal or a drink, consider a meal at Masaaki’s Sushi.

Head up to Mt Field National Park and Maydena and drop in for a coffee in Westerway.

Premier Will Hodgman has urged us all to spend time in these areas to help tourist operators and retailers get through a difficult period. He is clearly addressing a perception that there is widespread and catastrophic damage in these areas, which makes them places to avoid. Yes there will be some damage visible but that’s no reason to stay away.

This weekend, Hobart is full to the gunnels as thousands from across the country descend on the capital for the Wooden Boat Festival. Those who managed to find a room are paying top dollar.

A key part of the Government’s tourism strategy is to encourage more visitors to take in Tasmania’s regions. That includes the West Coast, Central Highlands, East Coast and Huon Valley.

Tasmanians can lead the way and in doing so help fire-hit communities get back on their feet.