Bridget Vallence, MLA for Evelyn

Bridget Vallence, MLA for Evelyn, whose electorate takes in much of the Yarra Valley, last week raised concerns in State Parliament about Corona Virus.

“ I wish to bring to the attention of the house concerns around the significant impact on my community and local economy of the COVID-19 coronavirus situation,” Ms Vallence said.

“This has resulted in a significant hit to Yarra Valley tourism operators, with a slump in tourist visitors, particularly Chinese tourists.

“Also Yarra Valley growers and winemakers have suffered vastly lower sales demand from China, typically our largest export market for wine and fruit, and the effect is being felt by the industry.

“Certainly growers and tourism operators, and the locals that are employed in these businesses, have experienced an extremely challenging start to the year.

“Cancellations of tours into our region have impacted restaurants, accommodation venues, U-Pick and farm gate sales, lavender farms, the Yarra Valley Dairy, wineries and so on.

“These small and family businesses are feeling the pinch, and I have met with a number of them who have told me that business is down by around 50 to 70 per cent.

“I will keep working hard to ensure local businesses have access to information and will offer them support as they progress through these uncertain and challenging times,” Ms Vallence said.