THIS week’s further relaxing of New South Wales border restrictions is yet another valuable step towards the Sunraysia region’s recovery from COVID-19, according to Mildura Council’s acting chief executive officer Martin Hawson.
The New South Wales Government this week announced the vast majority of regional Victorians visiting Sunraysia could again access the Murray River, providing a welcome boost to the local tourism sector.
Mr Hawson said while this would provide an important boost to the local economy through visitor spending, it would also provide much needed relief and hope for local residents.
“Each step towards normality after weeks and months of, at times, very restrictive COVID-19 measures, is another important step along the path to recovery for our community,” Mr Hawson said.
“This latest change means local residents can again do the simple things they may have taken for granted before COVID-19 restrictions, but were an important part of their lives,” he said.
“For example, the ability to now go fishing, take a boat out onto the water, or enjoy these activities with visiting friends or relatives – we shouldn’t underestimate how important these activities are for our community’s recovery.
“Each freedom and service that comes back online is an important boost for our community’s health and well-being and we need to appreciate each step we make.”
Rural Councils Victoria has written to the Victorian Government pressing for a further easing of COVID restrictions in rural and regional Victoria.
RCV chair Mary-Ann Brown said the extremely low infection rate in rural and regional Victoria should allow restrictions to be eased “as soon as possible”.
“We have formally requested that the easing in rural Victoria occur at least on the same day they change in Melbourne, and much earlier if possible,” Ms Brown said.
“Many parts of rural Victoria have had zero new cases for much longer than 14 days and, yet have harsher than necessary restrictions imposed on their communities,” she said.
Ms Brown said the move would be consistent with the government’s earlier decision to treat rural and regional areas differently to the metropolitan region due to the massive differential in infection rates.
The next step in easing restrictions would allow outdoor public gatherings of up to 50 people, up to 20 visitors to the home, indoor hospitality functions for up to 50 people and the reopening of gyms and municipal libraries.
The Nationals leader and Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation Peter Walsh said the Victorian Government must release the shackles holding back regional Victoria’s recovery by implementing New South Wales restrictions in country areas.
“Regional Victoria’s 14-day average is at 0.3, but unfairly harsh restrictions are still strangling the life out of small business and country communities,” Mr Walsh said.
“Immediately introducing NSW rules for regional Victoria, while still enforcing wearing of masks, will drive up business confidence and safely reopen our country communities,” he said.
