Business uncertainty grows with restriction extension

September 3, 2021

Colac and district businesses are reeling after the State Government’s restrictions roadmap failed to offer clarity about their short-term futures.

Hopes of a bumper school holiday period for wounded hospitality and tourism operators were dashed with the announcement this week that Melbourne was set to remain in lockdown with COVID-19 case numbers continuing to rise.

Major local businesses are now considering cutting their hours to stay afloat even if they can reopen while the city is on lockdown.

But local owners and leaders remain optimistic that a hinted easing in regional Victoria next week would provide relief.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced a reopening threshold on Wednesday for “modest changes” Victorians can expect as vaccination coverage increases.

Mr Andrews has flagged easing of restrictions for regional Victoria, except Shepparton, during next week – but the exact rules and timeframes remain unclear.

Melbourne would see minor changes when the state reaches 70-per-cent first-dose vaccination coverage, expected on about September 23.

The timeline all but rules out city residents from visiting regional Victoria during the upcoming school holidays, with Melburnians subject to a 10-kilometre travel limit when the rules ease.

Colac Chamber of Commerce rued the latest blow to local businesses that typically relied on the period for an uplift following quiet winters.

“Without Melbourne travellers and potentially restricted regional movement, this school holidays will again be another lost opportunity for many of our businesses,” chamber chief Georgia Theodoris said.

“It’s a blow for many but in particular for our Apollo Bay traders.”

Apollo Bay’s business chamber president Bob Knowles described local sentiment as “resigned acceptance” as the town’s reopening to Melbourne became even more distant.

“The nature of this delta variant means it’s a different ball game. We saw it coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier,” Mr Knowles said.

“If it goes on – we don’t even really want to contemplate it.

“It’s got to the stage where people don’t really want to look too far ahead.”

But the prospect of a regional reopening has provided hope to coastal businesses at the Bay and Lorne.

Lorne Hotel’s Paul Upham said tourism from country Victoria would boost the business in the short term, though an ongoing lockdown in Melbourne would continue to devastate the region.

“If we can get through the holidays with regional here, that would be a godsend I think for a town like Lorne,” Mr Upham said.

“Post that, while we’re waiting for Melbourne to come out beyond the school holidays, it will be pretty slow going.

“The hotel will probably close Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the restaurant and we’ll just open Friday, Saturday, Sunday outside of holidays. It’s just not viable to open seven days.”

Mr Andrews is yet to provide details about when, how and if restrictions would change for regional Victoria despite hinting on Wednesday at an easing during next week, with businesses anxiously waiting on details.

Ms Theodoris argued a light easing could even hurt businesses, who could lose financial support offered during lockdowns but not be allowed to operate at sufficient capacity to make up the difference.