Great Ocean Road tourist area reopens after Christmas bush fires
Wednesday, 08 Jan, 2016
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The scenic Great Ocean Road in Victoria has been reopened by authorities after the devastating bush fires which destroyed more than 100 local homes.
It will bring welcome relief to tourism businesses in the area after many were close or heavily disrupted during the busy New Year period.
"Business and tourism is a crucial part of what makes a community run and particularly in an area such as the surf coast which heavily relies on summer tourism," said Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley.
Lapsley said it is safe to reopen the road between Cumberland River and Wye River but fires are still raging in forested areas of the Otway Ranges.
"We want everyone to support local businesses and enjoy the area, but to be aware that there is still a fire being worked on so people will see aircraft and trucks and, at times, smoke," he said.
Authorities said there are still 200 firefighters tackling blazes which will likely burn for the rest of the month.
The Christmas Day fires completely destroyed 116 homes including one in every three houses in Wye River.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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