McCurdy calls for urgent support for Bright and Porepunkah in Parliament

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has today called on the Treasurer in Parliament to urgently deliver an economic support package for the communities of Bright and Porepunkah as the ongoing manhunt enters its third week.

Mr McCurdy said these towns, which rely almost entirely on tourism, are now facing devastating financial losses.

“For good reason, Victoria Police have asked visitors to stay away while the manhunt continues,” Mr McCurdy said.

“But the banker waits for nobody, the landlord still has her hand out and the kids still need to eat. These businesses and families are on their knees. They cannot wait weeks or months for help; they need support right now.”

Mr McCurdy stressed that the economic blow to Bright and Porepunkah has been immediate and severe, with cafés, motels, shops and tour operators left without their usual influx of visitors.

“Bright and Porepunkah are vibrant communities built on tourism. Without visitors, these towns simply cannot survive,” he said.

“The Treasurer must step up and deliver a targeted support package. These families and businesses are paying the price for circumstances completely outside their control.”

Mr McCurdy said he stood with the local communities and would continue to fight for immediate financial assistance.

“The people of Bright and Porepunkah have shown remarkable resilience during this unprecedented situation, but resilience won’t pay the bills. They need urgent economic relief to get through the weeks ahead.”