Bushfire recovery package to tackle Australian tourism's 'biggest challenge in living memory'
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire recovery package to tackle Australian tourism's 'biggest challenge in living memory'

ABC  

The Federal Government has announced a $76 million recovery package in response to this summer's bushfires, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying Australian tourism is facing "its biggest challenge in living memory". Key points: The recovery package includes funding to attract domestic and international visitors While money has also been allocated for grants for "new attractions" in bushfire affected regions The Australian Tourism Industry Council estimates the bushfires have cost the country "hundreds of millions" of dollars Mr Morrison described the funding — drawn from the Government's national bushfire recovery fund — as an "urgent injection" of funds for businesses impacted by the bushfire crisis. The Australian Tourism Industry Council has estimated the bushfire crisis has cost the national industry "hundreds of millions" of dollars and damaged Australia's brand internationally, with a perception "the whole country's on fire". The Government's package includes $20 million for marketing to domestic travellers and $25 million for a global tourism campaign to advise international visitors that Australia is "safe and open for business", as well as $10 million towards creating new attractions in bushfire affected regions of the country.

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History of this topic

Black Summer bushfires cost Australia billions in lost tourism, new research reveals
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Black Summer bushfires cost Australia billions in lost tourism, new research reveals

ABC  

In short: New research reveals the Black Summer bushfires cost Australia $2.8 billion in tourism. Tourism recovery Mr Hayes said tourism in the Snowy Valleys region had improved "substantially" since the Black Summer bushfires. Australian Chamber's tourism executive chair, John Hart, said the tourism supply chain never recovered from the disruption that the Black Summer bushfires caused. John Hart says …

Citizen science project hopes to boost tourism on Kangaroo Island while tracking bushfire recovery
2 years ago

Citizen science project hopes to boost tourism on Kangaroo Island while tracking bushfire recovery

ABC  

A new project is calling on holiday-makers heading to Kangaroo Island, off South Australia's mainland, to take part in a unique environmental study on their travels. Key points: Visitors to Kangaroo Island are being asked to provide useful conservation and ecology information to researchers Tourists can receive reward points to use at businesses in exchange for their help The program …

NSW government sought to spend $200m in bushfire funding without opening applications
3 years, 9 months ago

NSW government sought to spend $200m in bushfire funding without opening applications

ABC  

The New South Wales government initially sought to spend almost $200 million on bushfire recovery funding without any open application process and was privately criticised by federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud over delays in opening the scheme up more broadly. Key points: In May 2020, the federal government announced a $448m grant scheme called the Local Economic Recovery Fund after …

Bushfire relief funding is so complex, professional grant writers are being hired to help communities apply
4 years, 1 month ago

Bushfire relief funding is so complex, professional grant writers are being hired to help communities apply

ABC  

Almost a year on from the deadly summer bushfires of 2019-20, some weary communities are having to hire professional grant writers or relying on volunteers to fill out complex grant applications. Key points: The Local Economic Recovery Fund is distributing $448.5 million in partnership between federal, state, territory and local governments Residents in Cobargo, NSW now have support from a …

Federal disaster recovery funding 'onerous' and provides no incentive to mitigate or insure, bushfire royal commission hears
4 years, 6 months ago

Federal disaster recovery funding 'onerous' and provides no incentive to mitigate or insure, bushfire royal commission hears

ABC  

The federal disaster recovery fund has been heavily criticised at the bushfire royal commission hearings today for being "too cumbersome" states to access. Key points: A Tasmanian recovery advisor says a more streamlined funding process is needed The program does not incentivise people to undertake mitigation or insure themselves Funding can't be used for environmental recovery work after a major …

Government's $50m fund to mitigate bushfires, natural disasters, untouched at end of financial year
4 years, 6 months ago

Government's $50m fund to mitigate bushfires, natural disasters, untouched at end of financial year

ABC  

An annual fund worth $50 million, to be used to lessen the impact of natural disasters, remains untouched by the Federal Government on the last day of the financial year. Key points: The $50 million natural disaster mitigation fund was set up this year but has not been put to use Labor says it is "negligent" that the money has …

Bushfire royal commission: Face scans used to verify bushfire payments in the wake of Black Summer blazes
4 years, 7 months ago

Bushfire royal commission: Face scans used to verify bushfire payments in the wake of Black Summer blazes

ABC  

Authorities used face-scanning technology to verify people's identities as they tried to speed up payments to those whose documents were destroyed when they lost their homes in the 2019/20 bushfires. On Thursday morning Services Australia, the government agency responsible for welfare payments, said one of the initiatives trialled during the bushfire season was scanning technology that matched people's faces with …

‘Why are we still struggling?’ ask Australia bushfire victims
4 years, 7 months ago

‘Why are we still struggling?’ ask Australia bushfire victims

Al Jazeera  

People who lost nearly everything as fires tore through vast tracts of Australia say they are still waiting for help. Among other charities, the Australian Red Cross raised 216 million Australian dollars, the Salvation Army 41 million Australian dollars and the St Vincent de Paul Society 22.9 million Australian dollars. “Typically … for people to really get back to functioning …

Bushfires and coronavirus twin disasters hit Australia's tourism sector
4 years, 10 months ago

Bushfires and coronavirus twin disasters hit Australia's tourism sector

ABC  

Jason Cronshaw runs bus tours in the iconic New South Wales Blue Mountains and normally has six hop-on, hop-off buses on the road over December and January, but not this summer. Key points: Of the 9.3 million tourists that visited Australia last year, 1.4 million were from China Chinese tourism operators are concerned businesses may shut if the coronavirus outbreak …

‘We are a ghost town’: Counting the cost of Australia’s bushfires
4 years, 11 months ago

‘We are a ghost town’: Counting the cost of Australia’s bushfires

Al Jazeera  

The agriculture and tourism industries are feeling the worst effects of Australia’s devastating bushfire season. “The costs also remain manageable for the general government, with the immediate fiscal costs expected to be less than 0.1 percent of Australia’s gross domestic product in 2020 and 2021,” Moody’s Analytics said in a recent statement. And AMP Capital’s head economist Shane Oliver predicts …

Australia’s fires are burning through a key part of its economy — tourism
4 years, 11 months ago

Australia’s fires are burning through a key part of its economy — tourism

LA Times  

A two-lane road leads from Australia’s ancient limestone mountain caves in Buchan down to East Gippsland’s 90-mile strip of uninterrupted beach. “These bush fires have dealt the biggest reputational blow to our tourism industry that it has ever faced internationally,” said Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison in announcing the tourism boosting program. “My message to anyone thinking about a holiday …

Bushfire donations likely won't cover repair bill, St Vincent de Paul chief says
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire donations likely won't cover repair bill, St Vincent de Paul chief says

ABC  

The more than $250 million donated to charities for bushfire relief in recent weeks is "probably not enough" to repair the damage caused by blazes across the country, the head of a major Australian charity has said. Key points: St Vincent de Paul Society chief executive Jack De Groot said the amount of money given to help those affected had …

Bushfire tax relief for SA victims following Kangaroo Island and Cudlee Creek blazes
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire tax relief for SA victims following Kangaroo Island and Cudlee Creek blazes

ABC  

South Australian bushfire victims will be exempt from some property and vehicle-related taxes and fees, the State Government has announced. Key points: Bushfires have hit several South Australian regions in recent months The State Government has announced certain property-related taxes will be waived for victims The Government said the relief measures would amount to between $1 million and $2 million …

Australian government says to support tourism industry as bushfires recede
4 years, 11 months ago

Australian government says to support tourism industry as bushfires recede

Firstpost  

By Lidia Kelly and Stefica Nicol Bikes MELBOURNE/KANAGAROO ISLAND, Australia - The Australian government said on Sunday it will provide financial aid to the country’s tourism sector that’s been badly hit by long-lasting bushfires, as business owners fretted about cancellations that stretch into the months ahead. Although recent rains have brought some relief, damage to the industry from the fires …

New Year's bushfires will cost tourism industry $5BILLION
4 years, 11 months ago

New Year's bushfires will cost tourism industry $5BILLION

Daily Mail  

Australia's bushfires could cost the tourism industry $5billion by the end of the year. The Australian Tourism Export Council revealed that the tourism industry could lose more than $4.5 million in profits by the end of the year due to bushfires. Pictured: Firefighters combat a blaze in Blipin, on the outskirts of Sydney ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley gave a …

Bushfire tourism flagged by SA Environment Minister following Kangaroo Island crisis
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire tourism flagged by SA Environment Minister following Kangaroo Island crisis

ABC  

Like other fire-ravaged parts of Australia, Kangaroo Island is still coming to terms with the scale of the devastation, but one MP says the problem could be part of the solution. Key points: Seal Bay has reopened after being closed for safety precautions during the bushfires Environment Minister David Speirs said the Government hopes to create a "safe corridor" through …

Bushfire lessons available to act on ahead of royal commission, experts say
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire lessons available to act on ahead of royal commission, experts say

ABC  

The Government has flagged a national review around bushfires, but experts believe Australia can do better than another inquiry — and actually deliver outcomes before the next bushfire season. Key points: The head of the national fire council called for a "national commitment" to implement outstanding recommendations of previous inquiries He said any bushfire inquiry should focus on coordination, which …

Farmers to gain access to $75,000 grants to help with bushfire recovery
4 years, 11 months ago

Farmers to gain access to $75,000 grants to help with bushfire recovery

ABC  

Grants of up to $75,000 will be made available to farmers in bushfire-affected areas, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced. Mr Morrison said the category D assistance, which was made available to graziers in far north Queensland following last year's floods, will be available for those in bushfire-affected regions. Mr Morrison said $100 million would be committed from the $2 …

Scott Morrison\'s popularity plunges after Australian bushfires
4 years, 11 months ago

Scott Morrison\'s popularity plunges after Australian bushfires

Deccan Chronicle  

Melbourne: A political poll showed Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s popularity declined sharply as his government grappled with a bushfires crisis that has killed 28 people and destroyed 2,000 homes. “We have heard the message loud and clear from the Australian people,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Monday, when asked about the poll result as he announced a A$50 million …

Australian prime minister’s approval rating singed by bushfires
4 years, 11 months ago

Australian prime minister’s approval rating singed by bushfires

Al Jazeera  

Scott Morrison has come under attack for being slow to respond to the crisis, even taking a holiday as Australia burned. A new poll shows the popularity of Australia‘s Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declined sharply amid deepening anger at his government’s handling of the bushfires that have killed 28 people, razed more than 11 million hectares of land and …

Australia bushfire crisis: Prime Minister admits mistakes amid mounting criticism
4 years, 11 months ago

Australia bushfire crisis: Prime Minister admits mistakes amid mounting criticism

CNN  

CNN — Australia’s beleaguered prime minister, Scott Morrison, has admitted there were things he “could have handled much better” in the bushfire crisis and will propose a royal commission into the disaster. Wolter Peeters/The Sydney Morning Herald via Getty Images “These are sensitive environments, they are very emotional environments,” said Morrison, adding that “prime ministers are flesh and blood too …

Australian bushfire: Hamilton pledges $500,000 to charity
4 years, 11 months ago

Australian bushfire: Hamilton pledges $500,000 to charity

The Hindu  

Lewis Hamilton has pledged to donate $500,000 to support wildlife rescue charities and Australian fire services as the country's bushfire crisis continues. Sportsmen and women from across the globe have already offered their support in an attempt to assist those affected, with Australia cricket great Shane Warne auctioning off his baggy green cap, while Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Roger …

Australian bushfire donations from big business worth millions but charities warn long-term assistance needed
4 years, 11 months ago

Australian bushfire donations from big business worth millions but charities warn long-term assistance needed

ABC  

Many of Australia's biggest companies and local celebrities are coughing up tens of millions of dollars to provide assistance for volunteer firefighters, emergency services personnel and fire victims. Key points: Acting CEO of the Australian Red Cross warns recovery can take years and funding support is required for the long term Warning follows several public announcements by corporate donors in …

Fire-hit town’s beer crisis averted by Australian navy
5 years ago

Fire-hit town’s beer crisis averted by Australian navy

CNN  

CNN — A looming beer crisis has been avoided in a fire-stricken Australian town, thanks to some help from the country’s navy. Due to the lack of road access, residents have been receiving supplies through emergency shipments from the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules – and beer is no exception. “The pub is at the heart of regional communities, …

NSW Government reveals $1b fire fund as RFS confirms 2,600 homes damaged or destroyed
5 years ago

NSW Government reveals $1b fire fund as RFS confirms 2,600 homes damaged or destroyed

ABC  

The NSW Government has committed $1 billion to help rebuild bushfire-ravaged communities, as authorities confirmed blazes have destroyed 1,870 homes around the state this season. Key points: The money is on top of $200 million already committed by the NSW Government It will be spent on infrastructure The NSW Treasurer said he wanted fire-impacted communities to "thrive" NSW Premier Gladys …

Australian PM’s leadership criticized during wildfire crisis
5 years ago

Australian PM’s leadership criticized during wildfire crisis

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — As his country burned, Australia’s prime minister was cursed and jeered out of a town, called an “idiot,” a “moron” and worse, and skewered at home and abroad for his dismissive response toward climate change. The outpouring of frustration and rage from many Australians toward Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s lethargic wildfire response has been likened to the …

Scott Morrison meets bushfire victims on Kangaroo Island
5 years ago

Scott Morrison meets bushfire victims on Kangaroo Island

Daily Mail  

Scott Morrison has returned to the front line to meet with bushfire victims after he was snubbed by locals in one of Australia's worst hit areas last week. The Australian prime minister was on Kangaroo Island on Wednesday where he pledged to provide more support after an inferno ripped through the island, off the coast of South Australia, on Friday …

Australia bushfire crisis: PM Morrison announces $2 billion for relief support
5 years ago

Australia bushfire crisis: PM Morrison announces $2 billion for relief support

The Hindu  

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday announced an additional 2 billion dollars over two years to a new agency to coordinate a national response to rebuild communities and livelihoods following the deadly bushfire crisis. “It’s a long road ahead and we will be with these communities every step of the way as they rebuild,” Morrison, who is facing widespread …

Australia commits billions of dollars to wildfire recovery
5 years ago

Australia commits billions of dollars to wildfire recovery

India TV News  

Australia’s government on Monday said it was willing to pay “whatever it takes” to help communities recover from deadly wildfires that have ravaged the country. If more is needed and the cost is higher, then more will be provided.” Morrison’s announcement of the funds, which will go toward rebuilding towns and infrastructure destroyed by the fires, came as authorities said …

Tourism Australia pulls Kylie Minogue's advert in the UK as Brits watch scenes of bushfire carnage
5 years ago

Tourism Australia pulls Kylie Minogue's advert in the UK as Brits watch scenes of bushfire carnage

Daily Mail  

Tourism Australia has pressed pause on its new $15million advertising campaign in the UK as the bushfire emergency crisis creating widespread devastation across the nation worsens. Tourism Australia's adverting campaign in the UK starring pop princess Kylie Minogue has been pulled from the air as Australia's bushfire crisis continues 'The number one priority right now continues to be the emergency …

Bushfire recovery costs start at $2 billion but Government assistance can't pay the bills
5 years ago

Bushfire recovery costs start at $2 billion but Government assistance can't pay the bills

ABC  

Since the bushfires struck, Robert Provenzale's life has taken a turn for the worse. Key points: The Federal Government has pledged $2 billion — and more if required — for the creation of the new bushfire recovery agency and payments to those affected The Prime Minister remains committed to delivering a budget surplus in the current financial year The Government …

The bushfire crisis has given the Government a political 'out' to its climate change problem
5 years ago

The bushfire crisis has given the Government a political 'out' to its climate change problem

ABC  

The fires across Australia are taking a terrible toll. You need to lead It could be the turning point for Australia's climate change politics and policy that is so deeply in the ditch. The party of progress and social justice needs to stand for strong action on climate change, and for helping workers and communities in the transition that will …

BUSHFIRES CRISIS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
5 years ago

BUSHFIRES CRISIS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Daily Mail  

At least 28 people have been killed in blazes across the country since the bushfire season began in October. Controversial ex-Footy Show host Sam Newman slams 'miserable' bushfire victims who refused to shake Scott Morrison's hand A pregnant woman and a firefighter who lost his home in the bushfire ravaged town Cobargo, on the NSW south coast, were filmed refusing …

In never-before act, Australia calls up military reserves to tackle bushfire crisis
5 years ago

In never-before act, Australia calls up military reserves to tackle bushfire crisis

Deccan Chronicle  

Sydney: Australia has called up 3,000 military reserves to tackle the country's ongoing bushfire crisis, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Saturday, the largest call-up in living memory. “Today's decision puts more boots on the ground, puts more planes in the sky, puts more ships at sea,” said Morrison, who has been pilloried for his response to the deadly months-long disaster. …

Are the bushfires Scott Morrison's Hurricane Katrina moment that he can't live down?
5 years ago

Are the bushfires Scott Morrison's Hurricane Katrina moment that he can't live down?

ABC  

Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst natural disasters in US history. As people yell at the Prime Minister when he visits their devastated communities, or howl for his blood on social media, the story of Bush's failure to immediately recognise a catastrophe and the urgent need for leadership it represented tells us what problems are created by Scott Morrison's …

Australia fires: PM Scott Morrison says he will ‘accept the criticism’ for vacationing in Hawaii as fires raged back home
5 years ago

Australia fires: PM Scott Morrison says he will ‘accept the criticism’ for vacationing in Hawaii as fires raged back home

CNN  

CNN — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he regrets being away on vacation with his family as fires raged across South Australia, resulting in the deaths of three people earlier this week. “I accept the criticism.” More than 105 bush and grass fires continued to burn across New South Wales – a southeastern state of Australia — early Sunday, …

Australian PM Scott Morrison refuses to take blame for environmental policies causing unprecedented bushfires, insists govt was 'doing enough' to tackle climate change
5 years, 1 month ago

Australian PM Scott Morrison refuses to take blame for environmental policies causing unprecedented bushfires, insists govt was 'doing enough' to tackle climate change

Firstpost  

Australia’s Prime Minister on Thursday denied his climate policies had caused unprecedented bushfires ravaging the country and insisted his government was doing enough to tackle global warming Sydney: Australia’s Prime Minister on Thursday denied his climate policies had caused unprecedented bushfires ravaging the country and insisted his government was doing enough to tackle global warming. As blazes that have scorched …

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