Local businesses remain hopeful the lifting of travel restrictions to Porepunkah, Bright and surrounding areas sees an influx of visitors these school holidays, to help the financial recovery for the region since the past month's major police operation following the deaths of two police officers near Porepunkah.

Bright Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Marcus Warner, said the lifting of restrictions, together with a $2.5m state government support package offering $5000 grants to eligible local businesses, were two significant changes set to benefit the local economy.

"Hopefully it now gives a green light for tourists to return for the school holidays, as there were a significant number of cancellations in recent weeks," he said.

"As businesses, we would be encouraging anyone thinking about coming up to do so; at the moment it’s still a beautiful time of year, there's still snow on the mountains and spring is definitely blooming.

"The Bright chamber has spoken to a large number of businesses affected and we've heard the financial support package has been extremely well received.

"In some cases, it's been so significant as to keep the business afloat to make it to the school holidays.

"For others, it will go to paying workers during recent weeks and some bills which have gone unpaid while we’ve been closed down.

"If any business has not signed up to the support package, we highly recommend they do as soon as possible."

Registrations for the grants can be made online via Business Victoria: https://business.vic.gov.au/news-and-updates/2025/business-support-for-porepunkah-and-alpine-shire/

For casual staff or individuals seeking personal financial support, assistance is available through Services Australia, including Centrelink.