Geelong council is set to reopen its indoor swimming pools, recreation facilities and community centres as COVID-19 restrictions ease across regional Victoria today.
Council also plans to reopen the National Wool Museum gallery and Geelong Carousel as a result of the changes, subject to density requirements and visitor caps.
“The easing of restrictions in regional Victoria are welcome and appropriate, given there are no confirmed cases here,” deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said.
“They will give our community a boost, from both an economic and social standpoint, and allow for a host of activity to resume.”
Council will make announcements about the reopening of individual facilities and the conditions of their operation in coming days.
While a range of competitive sport, recreation and community activity can resume, authorities will manage strict participant and visitor limits.
“Community sport plays an important role in the physical and mental health of our community, so we’re glad senior competitions can resume from this weekend,” Cr Sullivan said.
He encouraged locals to back Geelong businesses by shopping, ordering takeaway and dining out.
“We continue to urge the greater Geelong community to support each other by buying locally and enjoying experiences within our own region,” he said.
He also encouraged regional Victorians to visit Geelong over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, with Melburnians still prohibited from travelling to regional Victoria except for essential reasons.
“The absence of Melbourne visitors will hurt our tourism industry, so we’d love other regional Victorians to consider enjoying our attractions over the long weekend,” he said.
Cr Sullivan reminded visitors of the requirement for regional Victorian businesses to check customer IDs, to verify they are not from metropolitan Melbourne.
He urged people to be understanding of the need for this process and also to check in to facilities via the QR code.
Cr Sullivan encouraged locals to visit geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19 for information on local restrictions.
