Concerned community members met with representatives from the tourism industry, state government and Meander Valley Council in Mole Creek on Thursday to discuss the challenges the region is facing following the June floods. The floods left extensive damage to infrastructure and tourist attractions, which is significantly slowing tourism to the area. 

Mole Creek Progress Association president Michael Frydrych said the meeting was a success. “It was very good from both sides and it was very well attended from the community,” he said. 

Mr Frydrych is concerned people are not visiting the area because of flood damage. “It starts at Launceston and Hobart where people get told, don't go into that area because everything has been washed away,” he said. 

He said although there is damage, there is still a lot on offer in the area. “I think that the most important message we need to get out there is that, yeah there is a lot of places closed but there is also a lot of things open.” 

Mole Creek Hotel Owner Doug Westbrook said they have plenty on offer coming up, and are exploring other activities and attractions to continue to draw tourists the area. The hotel has recently announced it has secured ABBA tribute band BABBA for a concert in February next year, which he hopes will draw in crowds.

Mr Westbrook has been touched by the support of people that have come to the area despite the recent flood damage. “We’ve been really heavily backed by people. It’s been really fantastic that people have come out for drives,” he said. 

Mr Frydrych said the issue is bigger than just Mole Creek, the impacts are being felt as far as Westbury. “I think people are starting to realise... this is not a mole creek issue, but a regional issue,” he said. He thinks the impact of reduced visitor numbers will negatively impact the whole region. 

Following the floods access into popular bushwalking destination the Walls of Jerusalem is closed, as are the Marakoopa caves which see over 50,000 visitors each year. Mr Frydrych says the King Solomons Caves, however, are still open to visitors. 

Local businesses and tourism operators are hoping visitors will still put Mole Creek on their tourist route, stressing there is still plenty on offer.