Businesses in Porepunkah, affected by lockdowns during the search for alleged police killer Dezi Freeman, report a lack of communication regarding the financial support promised by the Victorian government. Despite a $2.5 million support package announced on September 15, local business owners claim they have yet to receive any assistance.
The package, intended to alleviate the financial strain on businesses disrupted since the manhunt began on August 26, includes $5,000 grants for eligible businesses. The search was initiated after Freeman allegedly shot dead two police officers and wounded a third, prompting an extensive manhunt.
Local Business Frustration
Marcus Warner, president of the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce, expressed frustration over the lack of government response more than a month after the disruptions began. “We know that the businesses have been through, sort of, hell and back in the last five weeks,” Mr. Warner said. “Not a single cent has arrived. And I think, to be honest, not even a single phone call has been made to those businesses apart from the ones that we’ve been making at the chamber.”
Leanne Boyd, owner of Cherry Walk Cafe in nearby Bright, echoed this sentiment. “There has been no communication, no messages, no nothing at all. It’s just gone radio silence,” she said. “We’re beginning to wonder if it’s actually going to happen because there’s been no next stage, no next communication.”
Impact of the Manhunt
The manhunt for Dezi Freeman has had significant repercussions for the local economy. Following the alleged murders of Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, police closed roads and airspace, warning tourists to stay away. This has led to substantial losses for businesses that typically thrive on tourist traffic heading to Victoria’s alpine resorts.
The search has intensified, with Victoria Police confirming the addition of 100 tactical officers and interstate specialist search teams to the operation. Meanwhile, Business Victoria plans to send a “small business bus” to Porepunkah and Bright to provide guidance and financial counselling to affected business owners.
Government Response and Community Concerns
Despite these efforts, Mr. Warner noted that the state government service had yet to respond to hundreds of applications for financial support. “Several hundred have not even received an acknowledgement that their information has been received,” he said. “At this stage, we don’t anticipate any payments being made in the short term because they haven’t been contacted, they haven’t even been asked for their ABN and or any evidence and there has been no request for any bank details.”
Mr. Warner criticized the lack of clear communication and transparency, stating, “The silence is unacceptable. This lack of action really is damaging confidence in our system.” Ms. Warner added that the offered assistance might not be sufficient to cover the losses incurred. “I would like the state government to take a harder look at this and see whether $5,000 is actually enough,” she said. “If that is their decision, can we have a timely response to this so that people can actually pay some of their bills?”
Looking Forward
The Victorian government has been contacted for comment, but as of now, no response has been received. The ongoing situation leaves local businesses in a precarious position, balancing the need for immediate financial relief with the uncertainty of when, or if, the promised aid will arrive.
As the manhunt continues, the community remains hopeful for a resolution, both in terms of law enforcement efforts and the much-needed financial support. The outcome of these developments will likely have lasting implications for the trust between local businesses and government authorities.
