Town divide at end
LITTLE River residents were feeling a sense of relief on Friday as the town enjoyed its first day reunited.
After months of restrictions that effectively split Little River, the state government tweaked its rules to allow the township to be designated as part of regional Victoria.
Since July, residents living within the City of Wyndham had been subjected to Melbourne-style lockdowns aimed at combating the coronavirus pandemic.
It caused a disparity with other residents who lived within the City of Greater Geelong and faced less severe restrictions.
Locals had also voiced concerns about conflicting government advice and the potential of copping a fine for grocery shopping in Lara.
Little River Hotel owner Kylie Trotter said she welcomed the news.
“It’s awesome and a bit of a relief,” Ms Trotter said.
“There’s clarification now, particularly for the oldies who know they can go to Lara to do their shopping.
“They were all stressed about where they can go and what they can do without getting fined.”
The government’s decision to readjust the border between regional Victoria and Melbourne came after a community campaign attracted more than 1000 signatures.
Before the announcement, Little River was the only town divided by restrictions.
Little River Cricket Club president Doug Fairchild said the change meant most of its senior squad would now be able to train together.
Before Friday, its players living on the Geelong side of Little River had been forced to train in Lara, while other members of the team were unable to join.
The announcement has also provided clarity to the club’s juniors, who will be able to play out of their home ground.
“We’re really happy, it’s helped us, but it will be great when all the restrictions are gone,” Mr Fairchild said.
“Relief is probably the best word.
“It was stressful not knowing what was going to happen if we can’t field teams.
“So it’s a massive relief and it’s great that common sense has finally prevailed, because we haven’t had an active case for about six weeks.”
Despite the border change, the police checkpoint at the Little River turn-off will remain in place.