Slow and steady Dan plan still a source of local frustration

THE “cautious” pace out of lockdown drew a mixed response in the Geelong region on Sunday after Premier Daniel Andrews mapped out changes to Covid restrictions.

Anglesea’s Great Ocean Road Resort owner Damien Cerantonio said he was unhappy with an ongoing ban on Melburnians travelling to regional Victoria.

“One positive is that for the first time in a long time there is an end in sight,” he said.

“(But) I don’t believe that we should have to wait for Melburnians to come here.

“It is really disappointing the fact that Melbourne can’t come until November 5 at this stage.”

Polwarth state Liberal MP Richard Riordan compared Mr Andrews’ road map to a forestry book track atlas.

“There is not a straight line, it takes forever no matter what and most people on it are made to feel sick with its twists and turns,” he said.

Liberal Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson also lamented the slow road back.

“I am also deeply concerned about the draconian restrictions which continue on the hospitality sector,” she said.

“Capping the number of patrons permitted inside a restaurant or hotel to just 30, until 80 per cent of Victorians are fully vaccinated, is likely to push more businesses over the cliff.

“It is most disappointing that the proposal by the Australian Hotels Association to apply a density quotient of one person per 4sq m has not been adopted.”

Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ben Flynn said the announcement provided some clarity for businesses about what the coming months would hold.

“That is what businesses have been calling for,” he said.

“It’s also nice to have that reaffirming of their commitment to opening up. That gives businesses a real sense of hope and those timelines will hopefully come around quickly.

“Businesses are really hurting and the sooner we can start giving them the opportunities just to get back to business, the better.”

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Brett Ince said the plan was a step in the right direction.

“We have been waiting for a road map and … it was great to see it,” he said.

“It is detailed and it does give some confidence to our sector in terms of the dates – 80 per cent double vaccination is the step for our sector where things really start to reopen and when we do see maximum capacities increasing with larger numbers inside and outdoors.”