The impact of the landslide on the Bogong High Plains Road between Falls Creek and Mount Beauty can’t be underestimated.
Authorities are working to remediate the landslide, but it’s expected the road to Falls Creek will be closed until at least February.
I was up in Mount Beauty this week and I spoke to locals about the effect the road closure is having on them, even though there is still access to Mount Beauty itself.
I spoke to mum and daughter business owners Lucy and Deb at the at the Seasons Café about their worries for the upcoming summer season without the tourists who were set to come for a packed season of Summer events.
I also spoke to Campbell Ford from the Mt Beauty Chamber of Commerce about the impact of the road closure on critical infrastructure projects that may be delayed, and the separation of families so children can continue attending school in Mt Beauty.
I’ve been speaking to Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt about ensuring the right assistance is available to people affected, and I will report back when I have more information.
There is something we can all do to help people in Mount Beauty over Summer – come and visit and spend money at the wonderful local businesses.
Mount Beauty is still open for business and can’t be forgotten. I hope both State and Federal Governments come to the table for these communities with proper support but I also hope our community also show support to those doing it tough after bushfires, two years of COVID and now another natural disaster.