VR1813074

MPs call for support

Grampians open and ready for tourists to return
By MATT COUGHLAN
POLITICIANS have urged people
to visit the Grampians to support
fire-ravaged communities.
Member for Lowan Hugh
Delahunty said Dadswells Bridge,
Dunkeld, Halls Gap and Pomonal
were all open to visitors including
the Grampians Tourist Road from
Halls Gap to Dunkeld.
“I’m encouraging people across
western Victoria to think about the
Grampians and get in there and
support them,” he said.
“I’m encouraging not only west-
ern Victorians, but all Victorians
to come to the Grampians.
“I’m encouraging people to get
up there and spend a dollar.”
While visiting the bushfire relief
centre in Stawell on Wednesday,
state Opposition leader Daniel
Andrews said he hoped no-one
would try to score political points
in the wake of the natural disaster.
“It terms of specific support, I
don’t think this needs to be part
of the political contest,” he said.
“It’s about us doing our part to
send a message to the Victorian
community that the Grampians MEETING: Northern Grampians Shire Council recovery officer Melissa Mair, Victorian opposition leader Daniel Andrews, Grampians
is open for business. Community Health chief executive Jill Miller and Shadow Police and Emergency Services Minister Wade Noonan look at fire maps at

“The Grampians is a spectacu-
lar, marvellous place to come and
visit and without those tourism
dollars, without those visitors, it
is going to struggle at a time that’s
already very tough.
wer, morre on
the Stawell fire relief centre on Wednesday during Mr Andrews’ visit to the region. Picture: SAMANTHA CAMARRI
“If people can make an extra great help.’’ Mr Andrews also “I fed the meerkats and I’m While much of the Grampians
effort to squeeze this into their visited the Halls Gap Zoo and going to be back with my three has reopened, Mr Delahunty
calendar, whether it is for a day little kids and I’ll try to be back reminded people to remain cau-
or a weekend or longer, any time said he would be returning with before the weather turns at the end tious when travelling and observe
during 2014, it is going to be a his family soon. of summer,” he said. the remaining road closures.

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VISITING: Victorian Premier Denis Napthine tours David
Grimble’s property after the Brimpaen-Laharum fire.

Mayor thanks
Premier for visit
NORTHERN Grampians Mayor Kevin Erwin has thanked
Victorian Premier Denis Napthine for his support for Halls
Gap business owners and residents days after fires broke
out in the Grampians National Park.
Dr Napthine visited the town on Tuesday where he met
tourism operators and council representatives.
Cr Erwin said council was grateful the Premier took time
• Cool your home by up to 15OC
to tour Halls Gap, which was once again welcoming visitors. • Save on air-conditioning bills
“Because of the diligent work of our emergency services,
Halls Gap wasn’t directly impacted by the fires, but we
• Offer UV protection to your
appreciate the economic impacts it has had on the business furnishings & carpets
and tourism industry,” he said.
“With the town fully back up and running and sections
• Protect and add value to your home
of the national park now reopened, the Premier’s visit has • Entertain all year round
given the community a real boost.
• All curtains manufactured in - store

Horsham
“Halls Gap remains the heart of the Grampians and that
heart is still beating loud and strong.
“As a council, we appreciate the Premier’s commitment to
encouraging visitors back to the Grampians and supporting
our tourism businesses.”
During his visit to Halls Gap, Dr Napthine stopped in at
VR1820775

Grampians Adventure Golf-MOCO Gallery, Brambuk – The

National Park and Cultural Centre, the Halls Gap Visitor
Information Centre and stores along Stony Creek.
16B Darlot Street | Tel: 5381 1375
HOME DELIVERY phone 5362 0000 Friday January 24 2014 THE MAIL-TIMES PAGE 7