Businesses impacted by lockdowns during the search for alleged police shooter Dezi Freeman are expressing frustration over the lack of communication regarding promised financial support from the Victorian government. On September 15, the government announced a $2.5 million support package aimed at assisting businesses that experienced significant disruptions and revenue losses since the manhunt began on August 26. This manhunt was initiated after Freeman allegedly shot and killed two police officers and injured a third.

The support package includes $5,000 grants for eligible businesses. However, more than a month after the disruptions began, many business owners have yet to receive any updates. Marcus Warner, president of the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce, stated, "We know that the businesses have been through, sort of, hell and back in the last five weeks. Since the shock of the incident, it's been the silence of the government agencies that's been the most frustrating thing in the last two weeks. Not a single cent has arrived. And I think, to be honest, not even a single phone call has been made to those businesses apart from the ones that we've been making at the chamber."

Leanne Boyd, owner of Cherry Walk Cafe in Bright, echoed these sentiments. She signed up for the financial support but has not received any communication. "There has been no communication, no messages, no nothing at all. It's just gone radio silence," Boyd said. "We're beginning to wonder if it's actually going to happen because there's been no next stage, no next communication."

The search for Freeman continues, with authorities deploying an additional 100 tactical police officers and interstate specialist search teams this week. The police operation has led to road closures and airspace restrictions, significantly affecting local businesses that rely on tourist traffic to the nearby alpine resorts.

In response to the situation, Business Victoria plans to send a "small business bus" to Porepunkah and Bright on Monday to offer guidance and financial counseling to small business owners. However, Warner noted that the state government has yet to respond to hundreds of applications for financial support. He mentioned that only a small number of applicants were contacted late Wednesday night, with assurances that Business Victoria would reach out "shortly."

Warner highlighted that several hundred businesses have not even received confirmation that their applications were received. "At this stage, we don't anticipate any payments being made in the short term because they haven't been contacted, they haven't even been asked for their ABN and or any evidence, and there has been no request for any bank details," he said.

The lack of clear communication and transparency has left the community feeling frustrated. Warner stated, "When government promises emergency support, we expect that sort of emergency support to be delivered in a swift and effective manner. But at the moment, the silence is unacceptable. This lack of action really is damaging confidence in our system."

Warner also expressed concern that the $5,000 assistance may not be sufficient to cover the losses businesses have incurred. "I would like the state government to take a harder look at this and see whether $5,000 is actually enough," he said. "If that is their decision, can we have a timely response to this so that people can actually pay some of their bills?" The state government has been contacted for comment regarding the situation.