A wave of cancellations is hitting hospitality businesses at great distances from the epicentre of an out-of-control Victoria bushfire as owners call for calm. The blaze in western Victoria's Grampians National Park is expected to burn for weeks, but more than 40 kilometres away in Great Western, Bruce Ahchow has seen most of his motel reservations evaporate in just days, along with all of his tours and events bookings.
"(In Great Western) we are far enough away and in a very, very safe zone in relation to the Grampian's National Park," Mr Ahchow told AAP. Four out of five of his rooms are empty, at a time of year he would usually be fully booked. While alerts were deemed necessary to protect the community, he noted how sensationalised media reporting failed to accurately mention safe spots to travel. "That is driving people away from a very, very large part of Victoria, and all of the businesses relying on those visitors are suffering and will suffer for a long time," he added.
Closer to the epicentre, residents of Halls Gap were granted a two-hour window before lunchtime to return and collect their belongings before Christmas. Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan hoped this limited access would provide some semblance of normality amid the turmoil. "(This is) to help if the residents of Halls Gap are relocated for Christmas, at least they will have what they need," Mr Heffernan stated.
Fortunately, cooler, milder conditions on Monday night aided firefighters on the ground, allowing them to achieve "some containment" of the southern Grampians fire. Grampians Tourism chief executive Mark Sleeman emphasized the economic toll of the blaze, estimating it to cost the economy $A1.9 million per day. He stressed the need for immediate intervention and financial support from both federal and state governments to rejuvenate the local visitor economy.
On Christmas Day, Mr Sleeman's family would head to safety as he prepared to protect their home on Boxing Day, which was anticipated to bring the worst conditions since the devastating Black Summer fires of five years ago. "Any fire starting on Thursday will be difficult for fire crews to manage and has the potential to impact communities very quickly," said Luke Hegarty from the State Control Centre. He added, "Thursday is not the day for traveling, except for absolutely necessary reasons."
Meanwhile, another bushfire at Bullengarook, located northwest of Melbourne, has been contained, but the blaze at the Gurdies, situated in western Gippsland, continues to burn. Travelers are being urged to stay informed about fire conditions as several states confront increasing bushfire risks.
Approximately 100 fire personnel from New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland, and Tasmania are heading to Victoria to support the fight against the blazes. Across New South Wales, numerous small bush and grass fires remain under control, but significant portions of the state are still facing high fire dangers heading toward Boxing Day.
Firefighters from South Australia advised residents to evacuate the Onkaparinga Hills within the Mount Lofty Ranges, as they grappled with another out-of-control bushfire on Monday. Warnings were later downgraded, with authorities telling residents to closely monitor conditions. Regional areas across South Australia are bracing for hot conditions on Boxing Day, with Adelaide expected to hit peaks of 36°C following 37°C predicted on Christmas Day.
Warnings escalated to a "too late to leave" bushfire alert for residents nearing the wheatbelt town of Northam in Western Australia, issued late Monday and remaining effective on Tuesday.
