By Luke Voogt
The further easing of COVID-19 restrictions today will provide “a huge relief” for local businesses, according to Geelong’s council and tourism board.
“It’s definitely the news we were waiting for,” said Brett Ince, executive director of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine.
The changes, beginning a week before the school holidays, were just in time to give local businesses a much-needed “shot in the arm”, Mr Ince said.
“Hopefully [they will] make heaps of revenue,” he said.
With Melburnians again allowed to travel to regional Victoria, Mr Ince welcomed them back to Geelong.
“We expect there will be a significant number of visiting friends and relatives that we’ll welcome to the region,” he said.
“We hope people will reconnect with relatives and friends in our cafes, restaurants and our attractions that are open, and consider staying at our caravan parks, hotels and motels.”
But he warned visitors and locals alike to remain vigilant.
“We know that COVID is still with us,” he said.
“That’s why checking in at venues and making sure we continue to follow the regulations is so important when we’re welcoming people to the region.”
Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher also welcomed Melburnians back.
“The return of visitors from Melbourne and further eased restrictions for regional Victoria are a huge relief for businesses in our region,” Cr Asher said.
“The increased freedoms are also great news for our community and reward for everyone’s efforts over the past few weeks.
“The road to recovery will again be very difficult for those that have been financially impacted by the latest lockdown.
“Local businesses can hopefully now have some optimism that the outlook ahead is brighter, especially with the school holidays approaching.”
Like Mr Ince, the mayor urged locals and visitors alike to follow COVIDSafe directions.
“We absolutely want to keep greater Geelong virus-free, as it has been throughout this latest outbreak,” Cr Asher said.
“We have lots of beautiful public open spaces to enjoy, so please continue to spread out and embrace the space.”
The changes also allow council to increase patron limits at its pool, leisure centres and community centres.
