Thousands of Victoria's regional businesses have today received the news they've been waiting for, with the announcement that they will accelerate through to the third step of the State Government's reopening roadmap.
It's fabulous news for regional Victorian businesses and a big step forward to a return to normality. Everyone in regional Victoria can help business get moving even further by continuing to play their part to keep transmission rates down, by adapting to a new normal, following the rules and getting tested.
Today's announcement is a beacon of hope for residents and businesses within Metropolitan Melbourne that they too can move forward sooner, if everyone stays the course and works together in the battle against COVID-19.
To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra:
"This is a great announcement for regional Victoria, and we look forward to seeing economic activity and jobs growing once again.
"The easing of restrictions also means that people in regional Victoria can once again take a holiday, with tourism operators expected to now see visitation resume.
"Now metropolitan Melbourne needs to look to regional Victoria and stay the course and get the virus under control so it too can move through the parameters for opening up.
"We've seen several indications of what a COVID-normal will look like in Victoria as part of the recovery roadmap and business assistance announced in the past week, now we need to get to the point where those plans are put in place and we can start the hard work of recovery."
