Lorne needs you: traders seek lifeline after disasters

IT was meant to be the busiest time of the year. Instead, for many Lorne businesses, January became a month of cancellations, confusion and empty tables.

After flash flooding, bushfires and repeated emergency warnings across the region, businesses in the seaside town say the summer trade they rely on has taken a hit.

New data, released by the Surf Coast Shire this week, shows just how sharp the downturn has been.

Average daily card spending in Lorne sat at $386,000 between 1–15 January. In the second half of the month – after flooding along the Great Ocean Road – that figure fell to $172,000.

For a town that depends on summer visitors, the drop has had a serious economic impact.

A survey of 68 local businesses by the shire found 31 per cent had lost the equivalent of a month’s income. A further 47 per cent reported losing at least a week’s trade.

The impacts were felt across retail, accommodation, hospitality and tourism operators, with only 5 per cent of survey respondents reporting no negative impact on their business.

Business owners said confusion about road closures and safety warnings had played a major role in keeping visitors away.

Beyond the immediate financial hit, business confidence has also been shaken.

More than half of those surveyed expect trade to remain below normal until at least Easter, with forward accommodation bookings down on previous years.

Cr Leon Walker, who also owns HAH Lorne Beach cafe, said the message from local traders

was clear.

“We really want everyone to know that Lorne is open, and the town is keen to welcome visitor.

“Locals rallied so strongly to help those impacted by the flooding – the best way for everyone to say thanks is to visit Lorne and the surrounding towns soon.

“If you can make it down in the coming weeks and beyond, the community would really appreciate your support.”

The shire says the survey findings will support advocacy on behalf of the impacted local businesses and help shape a recovery program aimed at encouraging visitors to return to Lorne.