Council waiting for response on Halls Gap business grants

Published on 17 February 2025

Northern Grampians Shire Council has strongly advocated on behalf of the Halls Gap businesses for the State Government to support business grants in the wake of the Grampians fires. The businesses in Halls Gap have been devastated financially given the ongoing fires at peak season with a dramatic reduction in visitors and trade.

Council’s advocacy has included promptly completing a business survey and credit card impact assessments in support of the case. Credit card data shows that spending in Halls Gap has dropped by on average 63% over the past two months compared to the same period last year.

At the one-month mark (17/01/25), businesses had already lost $13 million, and as the fires persisted, an estimated $8 million more has been lost. Even over the January long weekend— typically a peak trading period—spending was down by 20%. Cancellations are now extending into May, and under even the most conservative projections—a 20% drop in visitors for the remainder of the year—we are facing an additional $19 million loss in Gross Regional Product.

Secondly, we met with all the key Ministers when they visited Halls Gap and quickly followed up with formal letters from the Mayor incorporating supporting business survey findings. These letters asked the State Government to request the Commonwealth approve Category ‘D’ disaster recovery funding arrangements (DRFA) which would allow impacted businesses to apply for grants. This would be a lifeline.

Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop said: “Council leaders have worked tirelessly to advocate for state and federal government support to help businesses and tourism operators keep their doors open.

Many businesses are on the edge and have big cashflow challenges. We now await a response from the State Government on our request for business grants under Category ‘D’ of the DRFA. We are optimistic on a positive outcome.

“As part of the recovery efforts, councils are focused on supporting opportunities for psychosocial connection, such as yoga and meditation for the Halls Gap community.

“This community, and its neighbouring communities, have been through so much. Just this week we marked the 12-month anniversary of the Pomonal bushfire, which destroyed more than 45 properties.”

Cr Hyslop said the council was collaborating with a new Halls Gap community organisation, Kitchen Cabinet, which includes representatives from other regional groups.

“We have so many people to thank, not only in this recovery and reopening phase, but throughout the whole situation,” she said.

At the February council meeting, Cr Hyslop tabled a Notice of Motion thanking a wide range of services and volunteers for their efforts and dedication.

"The Notice of Motion was designed to acknowledge and extend council’s sincere thanks to all the individuals, groups and organisations that provided invaluable assistance and support during and after the recent Grampians fires,” she said.

“This includes the tireless efforts of the firefighters, emergency services, volunteers, local businesses, community groups, council staff and all others who worked to protect our community, provide aid and assist with recovery efforts."

Cr Hyslop said the council also extended its deep appreciation to the agencies, local government staff and council staff who helped operate the Stawell Emergency Relief Centre and Horsham Incident Control Centre.