ANNE Webster says country pubs across the Mallee are being “pushed to the edge of a debt cliff” by the Victorian Government’s lockdown measures.
The Federal Member for Mallee condemned Victoria’s blanket approach to pandemic restrictions, instead calling for a targeted approach to hotspots which would allow businesses to reopen in virus-free areas like Sunraysia.
Dr Webster said the existing restrictions had crippled hospitality businesses, many of whom have had to sell assets and take out loans in an attempt to stay afloat.
“While controlling the virus has been critical, the second lockdown has pushed many businesses past the point of recovery,” she said.
“The lockdown on these businesses needs to end now, not in two months’ time.
“They’ve had to borrow significantly to get them through to what they believed would be the other side of lockdowns on 13th September – only to find the Premier’s ‘roadmap’ now takes them to a dead end and the possibility of a meagre $5000 State Government grant. This is not good enough.”
Dr Webster said publicans had been working towards an anticipated reopening this Sunday, but the government’s announcement had left them in limbo once again.
“These mostly family-owned enterprises have been robbed of that certainty after being told they still cannot open until November 23, with no assurance of earlier easing,” she said.
One of those hit hardest by the measures is Bryce Harriman, who runs the Patchewollock Hotel.
The Patchewollock Hotel marks its 80th birthday this month, but Mr Harriman said COVID-19 has destroyed any chance for celebration, as he struggles to pay the bills.
“There is unlikely to be a party,” he said.
“Sadly it may not survive through to an 81st year without significant change.
Mr Harriman labelled fixed costs “a killer”, with no reopening in sight amid rising uncertainty.
“How do we plan for staff?” he asked.
“How do we order stock in advance when we have fortnightly deliveries? How do I maintain cashflow when limited to takeaways only?”
Dr Webster said Mallee publicans were not seeking an easing of restrictions that would allow visitors from Melbourne, but were desperate for permission to serve their regulars: the locals.
“Restrictions need to be lifted quickly and reasonably, so hotels and clubs like the Patche pub … can support their local communities,” she said.
