Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about the long-awaited extension of the $10,000 small business bushfire recovery grant. My electorate of Indi, like many this summer, suffered through devastating bushfires. These fires left many small businesses without income, including some not directly affected by flames. For these small businesses, much-needed tourism stopped the day the fires came, and so did their income. Unfortunately, the small business grant was not available to them by virtue of their postcodes.

The local government areas of Indigo, Wangaratta and Mansfield—popular summer tourist destinations—did not qualify. This was a devastating blow for Mansfield businesses, like Hidden Trails by Horseback and the Mansfield Hotel; Wangaratta businesses, like The Oven at Cheshunt and Tolpuddle farm; and Indigo businesses, like Rebus and Provenance, that heavily rely on tourists. The wineries of Rutherglen, Beechworth, King Valley and Delatite also lost revenue. I am pleased to say that they can now apply. I give a shout-out to all the businesses affected, because you have been patient and dogged, and I thank you for your persistence. I thank the mayors and the CEOs for their persistence too. So, while I celebrate this announcement, I know that for many it has come too late. I'm committed to ensuring that the next phase of the bushfire recovery is more responsive, driven by the community, for the whole community.