Morwell small business operators such as Claudia Davies have been on the frontline of those feeling the impact of the burning Hazelwood coalmine.
Claudia’s Cafe is on the south side of Morwell’s CBD, in the area where vulnerable residents have been advised to leave.
Not surprisingly, the popular cafe has suffered a noticeable drop in takings as some families, workers and elderly people have left town. Mrs Davies estimates that takings are down 20-30 per cent.
”What it basically does is the money you would put in the bank to pay your electricity and rates and all your bills like your phone and everything, it doesn’t go into the bank,” she said.
”It will affect us for months. I’ve got to now get a little buffer zone, I’ve used any buffer zone I had.”
At the same time as takings have dropped, spending on important infrastructure has had to rise. Mrs Davies bought two air purifiers after the fire started. When Fairfax Media dropped in for a cool drink on Monday one stood on the floor just below the cash register, while the second was just inside the front door.
Because of the impact on business, Mrs Davies is grateful that the state government has announced a package of assistance for Morwell businesses, including grants of up to $10,000 and low-interest loans of up to $200,000.
Mrs Davies said that the long-running fire, with its almost constant smoke and ash over the town, had been very taxing. ”It’s just so massive. It’s almost overwhelming. You go home every day and you’re totally stressed … you can never get enough water into your system. Every one in town is very, very tired,” she said.
Premier Denis Napthine announced the $2 million fund in grants just up the road from Claudia’s Cafe. It will be administered by VECCI, and be available for businesses that employ under 20 people.
