By Oliver Lees
Following 86 days of forced closure, Top of the Range Tea Rooms owner Luke Chapman has voiced his frustration at the lack of support for his business, as lengthy storm clean-up efforts continue to stifle his ability to trade.
Located in Macedon Regional Park, Mr Chapman had no choice but to close his business after extreme rain and wind lashed the region in mid-June.
Parks Victoria closed the park to begin hazardous tree removal works, clearing paths and fuel breaks ahead of the bushfire season.
On September 3, the tea rooms reopened under the strict lockdown restrictions still in place across the state.
But with the rest of the park closed for ongoing storm clean-up efforts, Mr Chapman said he was not getting enough customers through the door.
“With all the pathways closed and picnic areas, it’s still very quiet for us,” he said.
“The last three months without any pay have been very tough. I’ve got a mortgage to pay, and so far have only been able to have three or four of our 12 staff back. The reality is our other young staff are looking for other work, and I don’t blame them.
“In general, the lack of support we’ve got from the government has been really hard.
“We’ve literally been unable to have customers access our business, it just seems we’re not a priority.”
Mr Chapman said he has been unable to access the federal government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance, which was created to ease the financial burden incurred from extreme weather events.
According to the federal government website, payment is available for individuals in nine local government areas, including neighbouring Hepburn council, but not the Macedon Ranges.
“The fact that Macedon Ranges is left off is bizarre, I don’t think people understand how bad the damage here is,” he said.
Parks Victoria district manager Jodi Heath told Star Weekly that opening the remainder of the park is “our highest priority”.
“Public and staff safety is paramount,” Ms Heath said.
“Parks Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Regional Roads Victoria crews are making good progress, with more than 50km of trails and some roads checked and cleared.”
A state government spokesperson said Parks Victoria has provided the tea rooms with rent relief during its closure.
