Business & Tourism

On 18 January 2016, the Government announced a $1.4 million Great Ocean Road Economic and Community Recovery Package for the Wye River bushfires. The Package includes a $1 million Great Ocean Road Economic and Community Recovery Fund, and $400,000 for priority events, business mentoring, advertising and marketing.

The $1 million Great Ocean Road Economic and Community Recovery Fund has been designed to drive economic recovery priorities for the Great Ocean Road, targeting the economic impacts of fire and road closure to the region. The objectives of the Fund are to restore public confidence in the region, encourage visitors during peak and off-peak seasons, support business continuity and help grow economic and community resilience. The Fund focuses on the Great Ocean Road and hinterland areas of Surf Coast and Colac Otway Shire Councils.

Eligible activities and projects under the Fund include new tourism promotion, events to attract visitors, small infrastructure projects to enhance visitor experience, community-led recovery initiatives, and other initiatives that stimulate business and economic activity in the region.

Applications may be invited from business and industry groups (including chambers of commerce and business associations, industry peak bodies and Regional Tourism Boards), local government authorities, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and other appropriate regional organisations. Individuals and businesses are not eligible to apply.

If your business has been affected, it is important to focus on what you can do to improve your business’ chances of a quick recovery. A range of business support services are available to affected business owners, as well as information and resources from Business Victoria, Tourism Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria and WorkSafe.