URGENT UPDATE: The manhunt for accused police killer Dezi Freeman is crippling businesses in the popular Alpine region, as local operators report an alarming 60 percent loss of income since the search began on August 26, 2023. Residents and tourists are being urged to limit their movements as police intensify efforts to locate Freeman, who is wanted in connection with the deadly shooting of two senior police officers.
Local businesses, including restaurants and accommodations, are facing mass cancellations, with one operator reporting a staggering $10,000 in losses. Marcus Warner, president of the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Pepo Farms, stated, “It was a pretty painful weekend.” As the search drags into its second week, the potential for long-term financial distress looms.
Despite the heavy snowfall attracting tourists, local business owners are feeling the strain. Warner’s business, which remained open during the pandemic and bushfires, had to shut early over the weekend due to a lack of customers, even though it is located just 10 km from the search area. “I can’t remember a time that we’ve closed the shop early,” he lamented.
Marty Robinson, who runs Marty’s Porepunkah Garage, echoed these sentiments, revealing that most of his bookings were canceled last week. “Financially, the locals are feeling the scars,” he stated.
There are faint signs of recovery, with Porepunkah Primary School returning to business as usual and the local pub reopening at night. However, the search for Freeman continues, and authorities are cautious about scaling back operations. Former detective Charlie Bezzina remarked on the complexities involved, noting that police cannot simply abandon the search.
The tragic deaths of Senior Constable Vadim De Waart and Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson have cast a shadow over the region. Their funerals are scheduled for September 1 and September 4, respectively, further complicating the local atmosphere.
Local MP Tim McCurdy highlighted the urgent need for financial support, stating that foot traffic in Bright improved slightly on Tuesday but remained “shocking” on Monday. “I could walk into any shop in Bright I wanted to and talk to the owner – there’s just nothing going on,” he said. With 41 cancellations reported by one business last week, anxiety among locals is rising.
The Alpine Shire Council has begun appealing for federal funding through the Disaster Ready Fund to help local businesses weather this crisis. McCurdy emphasized, “We need to get money rolling into the town here and now.” With winter trade at risk, independent MP Helen Haines confirmed that early indications show significant income losses across various sectors, including accommodations and local tourism operators.
As the community braces for the ongoing search and the impending school holidays, the financial stability of the region hangs in the balance. Authorities are urging continued vigilance and support for local businesses facing unprecedented challenges.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the search for Dezi Freeman continues.
