IN the past eight months, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the Southern Grampians and Moyne Shire’s economy according to latest data from analytics consulting firm, Taylor Fry. 

At the start of July, the Taylor Fry COVID-19 Financial Impact Index rated the financial impact of the virus on Hamilton as medium, but has since been upgraded to high.

Surrounding towns such as Branxholme, Dunkeld, Tarrington, Cavendish, and Penshurst were rated as extreme.

The high rating indicated a high probability of residents across the shire had experienced significant income loss and may have had a savings buffer to cover immediate expenses.

The rating also indicated residents may have had a medium level of non-discretionary expenditure, relative to their income.

Among the 10 hardest hit areas in Victoria include three in the south-west - Corangamite South, Moyne East and Warrnambool South.

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