Geelong and the Surf Coast’s exclusion from planned vaccine economy trials has left proprietors “perplexed” with local commerce groups calling for the region’s inclusion.
Torquay Commerce vice president Robert Skehan described the Surf Coast as ideal for the trial given its low number of cases and high vaccination rate, due to hit 70 per cent fully-immunised in a few days.
“The … hospitality businesses I have spoken to are wondering why we’re not part of the trial,” he said.
“Our first jabs are above 95 per cent, our second jabs are [second] best in the state and our case numbers seem to be well under control.”
The Surf Coast recorded no new cases on Wednesday, with a total of just five active in the shire.
But state government excluded the Surf Coast and Geelong when announcing plans for 20 new vaccine economy trials beginning October 11.
The government confirmed Bass Coast, Greater Bendigo, Pyrenees, Warrnambool, Buloke and East Gippsland would be the first municipalities eligible to participate in the trial due to high vaccination rates and low or no COVID-19 cases.
The trials will allow local businesses, venues and events to have higher patron numbers, if all are fully-vaccinated, prior to the entire state hitting the 70 per cent mark, expected on October 26.
“It’s probably an opportunity missed, because [the Surf Coast has] a vibrant hospitality community and it would be fantastic to open up that community again,” Mr Skehan said.
He acknowledged the Surf Coast Shire’s population and proximity to Melbourne could increase the risk of COVID-19 spreading compared to some of the confirmed municipalities.
But higher vaccination rates and practice at applying current restrictions in refusing service to Melburnians would help negate this, he said.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ben Flynn reiterated calls for state government to include Geelong, given the city’s relatively high vaccination rates.
“We think it’s a terrific idea and we’d love to be part of the pilot,” he said.
“Businesses across Geelong feel like they’re languishing.
“With high vaccination rates across the whole region, Geelong is the perfect place to trial the processes and systems to get this right.”
