THE timing was perfect for the announcement earlier this week by Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty of funding to assist with bushfire recovery in Halls Gap and the Grampians.
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A significant piece of the $310,000 granted for bushfire recovery will be put towards implementing initiatives that will attract more tourists to the region. Basically, the sign will be out once again, that the Grampians region is open for business, ideal with school holidays just around the corner.
One of the more significant initiatives will be the completion of the rail trail linking Mt Dryden to Stawell. This will also link with other trails in Halls Gap, allowing for greater connectivity for visitors.
Since the bushfires swept through the region in January, recovery has been ongoing. It seems unfortunate that emergency management personnel, including those at the Northern Grampians Shire Council, are getting better at handling disaster situations.
It comes with the territory of living so close to a mountain range that is so majestic and yet, can also produce unpredictable weather patterns.
Business operators and residents alike have been through so much over the past decade, with fires, floods and then more fires and this funding announcement from the State Government could not have come at a better time for them.
It's now left in the hands of those helping to promote the region, to ensure potential visitors from far and wide recognise that the Grampians is open for business and that this translates into increased visitor numbers over the school holidays and into summer.
