Little River back together

Residents ‘ecstatic’ as dividing border moved

LITTLE River residents will be reunited from midnight when the border between Melbourne and regional Victoria is readjusted for the small town.

The state government announced late Thursday that the town, half of which had been under Melbourne-style lockdowns since July, would be designated under regional Victorian rules and zoned according to its postcode from Friday.

Straddling Greater Geelong and the City of Wyndham, residents voiced concerns about conflicting government advice and the potential of copping a huge fine for doing their groceries in nearby Lara.

It follows a passionate community campaign to reunite the divided town, with a petition amassing more than 1000 signatures in a matter of weeks. Little River is the only town on the border divided by the current coronavirus restrictions.

Health Minister Martin Foley announced the metropolitan border would now end at Wests Road, Bulban Road, Edgars Road and Argoona Road before connecting with local government boundaries.

“The border between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria has been vital to containing the spread of coronavirus, but we know this measure has had wider consequences for Little River residents,” he said.

“Adjusting the ring of steel to go around Little River instead of through it will alleviate any confusion and unify the community under the same set of restrictions.”

The police checkpoint at the Little River turn off will remain in place Premier Daniel Andrews first flagged potential changes to the border in September, but locals were left frustrated by conflicting advice and weeks without news.

Resident Jacqueline Toland, who started the petition and lobbied the state government for change, said she was overjoyed at the news.

“I’m ecstatic,” she said.

“It’s going to end so much of the confusion and anxiety because we haven’t gotten consistent information. People can get their businesses up and running again.”

Lara state Labor MP John Eren reminded residents to keep up to date about restrictions on either side of the divide. “Changing the border will make life a little easier for people in Little River – but residents will still need to make sure they are following the restrictions that apply to regional Victoria.”