Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Tim Bull MP

Marlo Hotel denied access to the Licenced Hospitality Venue Fund and offered wellbeing and financial counselling instead

The Marlo Hotel has been refused state government financial support that was intended to keep businesses afloat over the Coronavirus lockdown period.

By news@gippsland - 15th August 2022 - Back to News

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is appalled that proprietors have been completely abandoned by this government, after they were denied access to the Licenced Hospitality Venue Fund (LVHF) last year. Mr Bull said the hotel was sold in between lockdowns. The previous owners were receiving the LVHF support and this was documented when the new partnership agreed to the purchase.

State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with Guy Wells, a co-owner of the Marlo Hotel

Ceased due to name change

Mr Bull said, "The new owners naturally assumed the payments would continue as normal, however due to a government introduced technicality, they were ceased. For all other businesses that were accessing the fund, it continued, but due to an ownership name change at Marlo, they ceased."

"When the new owners, Guy and Dylan, reached out to my office for help, I spoke with the Minister directly seeking for this anomaly to be fixed on the basis that, like all other pubs and clubs prevented from trading, a name change should not disqualify them."

"After liaising with the Minister's office for months, I thought it would be a straightforward process to make the adjustment to what was an unforeseen circumstance. The reality is this fund was rolled out specifically to support this very type of business that was heavily impacted by a series of closures and patron caps." Mr Bull said.

Adding insult to injury

Mr Bull added, "It is extremely disappointing the owners have now been formally notified they will not receive a cent of what they are eligible for. Mr Andrews can have $12 billion in cost overruns on city projects, but can't find the money owed to a local business that has been severely affected."

"Hiding behind a technicality flaw in its own eligibility criteria is an absolute disgrace. The government locked the businesses down, it is their responsibility to compensate for the damage inflicted and Marlo should not miss out when others received it."

"Adding insult to injury, a letter signed by the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Jobs Precinct and Regions, instead offered wellbeing and financial counselling along with business resilience mentoring as an alternative - they do not need this, they just want what they are entitled to," said Mr Bull.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Tim Bull demands transparency on missing $13.15M for cancelled Marlo to Cape Conran pathway
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has demanded answers on the missing $13.15 million for the cancelled Marlo - Cape Conran pathway, urging funds be redirected locally if the project is abandoned.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
  Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment.
• Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region
  A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated.
• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
  The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs.
• Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.