Tourist towns struggling for numbers after the bushfires are getting on board with the Victorian Coalition's idea to put a hold on rates for two years.
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Local Government Shadow Minister Tim Smith visited Milawa with Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy on Tuesday, following his trip to Wodonga and Corryong on Monday.
His idea was for the state government to cover the cost of rates for those affected by the bushfires.
A state government spokesman neither ruled out nor agreed to the rate relief.
"Our focus right now is on fighting these fires and keeping Victorians safe," he said.
"We'll have more to say on further support for bushfire affected communities in due course."
Mr McCurdy said in Wangaratta and Alpine council areas, this includes local businesses, grape growers and primary producers.
He said businesses have suffered a devastating loss in tourism and trade, due to the fires.
"Local businesses across the region are doing it extremely tough as a result of the fires and smoke with tourists staying away in droves," he said.
"In addition to those who have lost homes, these businesses really need support - that's why we are calling for the Labor government to provide council rate relief over the next two years to those impacted in the Rural City of Wangaratta and Alpine Shire Council.
"This rate relief is also needed for grape growers and wine producers who may have lost this year's vintage due to smoke taint and primary producers who have lost stock and crops."
Mr McCurdy said the financial burden of council rates could be too much on top of the impact of the bushfires.
"Even though many local areas were not directly impacted by flames, the repercussions of the fires are devastating, occurring during the peak summer tourist season and at critical times for the wine industry and farmers," he said.
"It should not be up to our local councils, who have already played a significant role in the relief and recovery of our communities, to also provide rates relief to residents, business and industry.
"We need Daniel Andrews to recognise this situation and act now to provide rates relief."