On behalf of the Board and staff of Tourism North East I would like firstly to acknowledge the current loss and devastation that is being felt across our region, and the state more broadly. Lives, homes and livelihoods have been lost and the impact of these fires will reverberate for years to come. Our thoughts particularly are with our local communities and businesses as they face unprecedented challenges.
I would also like to express our sincere thanks to all the volunteers, agencies and tireless community members who have helped contribute to the on-going fire-fighting efforts.
Significant fires continue to burn in our region and a State of Disaster has been declared for six Local Government Areas and the Alpine Resorts. As such Tourism North East have followed the Victorian Government directive to request visitors not to travel to the region at this time.
Although cooler temperatures and some rainfall have eased conditions, and fire activity has reduced, we remain in an active fire zone. The forecast indicates increasing temperatures for the following days and weeks ahead. Our traditionally hot summer period has just begun, and agencies anticipate further fire activity to come.
Looking ahead to the path to recovery, we are actively working on behalf of the region with state and local government to advocate for and secure recovery funding. At such time as is appropriate, priority projects will be identified, and a recovery plan developed and implemented.
I encourage everyone in the North East to heed emergency warnings, stay safe and continue to support one another through these difficult times. High Country communities are resilient and together we look forward to welcoming guests back in the not too distant future.
Regards
Ross Passalaqua
Chair
Tourism North East
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