The Andrews Labor Government is backing businesses in the state’s alpine resorts to recover after their operations were devastated by bushfires and coronavirus across 2020.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula confirmed an additional $6 million support will be made available to eligible businesses including hire outlets, retail shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes and adventure companies such as dog sledding operations.

The package provides payments of up to $25,000 to sub-tenant commercial operators across Mount Hotham, Mount Buller, Mount Stirling, Mount Baw Baw, Falls Creek and Lake Mountain. Some commercial operators in Dinner Plain also eligible for the program.

The initiative brings the direct pandemic business support for alpine businesses to more than $10.3 million with $4.3 million previously announced from the Business Resilience Package to cover services fees owed to resort management boards and to accommodation providers who successfully applied for cancelled booking compensation via the Regional Tourism Accommodation Support Program.

Victoria’s Alpine resorts usually contribute $1.1 billion to the state’s economy during winter alone, attract more than 1 million visitors annually and employ 10,000 people.

The Andrews Labor Government has provided more than $13 billion towards measures to fight coronavirus, including more than $7 billion in direct economic support for Victorian businesses and workers.

Some $2.6 billion in funding has supported more than 130,000 small and medium businesses to date through the Business Support Fund.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula

“It is critical that our alpine resorts remain viable as we take steps toward COVID Normal and an anticipated return to the slopes in 2021. This investment ensures the lifts will be turning once again next year.”

“Victorians have done a tremendous job to get to the position where we are now, with travel possible across the state and the conditions in place for a strong recovery in the visitor economy.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This makes it easier for people to get out and enjoy our alpine resorts, while giving these businesses certainty for the season ahead.”