The Christmas bushfires in the Grampians have demonstrated the importance of the Grampians being open for business, and that the whole world receives that message.

Unfortunately, mixed messages can undermine tourism and confidence in enjoying the region.  When Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton visited Halls Gap Wednesday week ago at my invitation, I joined with him and fellow Coalition colleagues urging Australians to visit the Grampians to support the local economy.

Community safety always comes first and it is understandable Halls Gap was closed for weeks due to the fire threat.  I again commend the CFA for their tireless efforts fighting the fires – your service is inspiring.  As I said last week, unfortunately the Halls Gap town closure came when businesses would have earned a quarter to a third of their annual income.

The Grampians Peaks Trail was launched in 2021 after receiving $10 million from the former Coalition Government and while sections of it were burnt in recent bushfires, I understand major sections are still open to enjoy.

The Grampians region has been under a cloud after the Parks Victoria ban on rock climbing at Mount Arapiles near Natimuk.  The local community are justifiably fearful that tourism and their local economy will collapse if the originally proposed climbing bans proceed and, in effect, close half the area’s internationally acclaimed climbs.  I wrote the Arapiles Declaration in response to that proposal, signed by many of my Coalition shadow ministry colleagues including Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. The Declaration starts with the opening and overriding principle that public land should be accessible to all Australians.

I see strong parallels between the plights of Natimuk and Halls Gap – communities who rely on tourism and the Grampians being open for everyone to enjoy.

Potential Australian and international tourists need to know the Grampians are an Australian public asset and are there for everyone to enjoy.

I encourage readers who are on social media to share social media posts promoting the Visit Grampians campaign and otherwise sharing the word with family and friends to attract desperately needed tourists to the area.

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