Calls for less restrictions, more travel vouchers

VICTORIA’S Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said the State Government needs to give more confidence to small businesses in Bendigo for the region to fully bounce back from COVID-19 lockdowns.

Mr O’Brien was at Rosalind Park last week and said February’s snap lockdown caused a lot of small business owners to re-think their operation.

“Businesses didn’t understand why Bendigo was shut down for an issue that was limited to Melbourne,” Mr O’Brien said. “There’s a lack of confidence.

“A lack of certainty and a lack of support from State Government is holding this region back from what it could be.”

Mr O’Brien said that pubs, cafes and restaurants in Bendigo should have less restrictions on capacity.

“We’ve had 40 days of no community transmission, there is effectively no COVID in Victoria, so why are our pubs, and restaurants and cafes still operating at half pace?

“We need to free them up. If you can have 75 per cent at the MCG why shouldn’t your local pub or local café be able to have at least 75 per cent if not go to 100 per cent too?”

The Liberal leader also said he would like to see the State Government’s travel voucher scheme extend into off-peak periods.

“Offering people vouchers to come to places like Bendigo when the sun is shining is almost a bit of a waste,” he said.

“I think the Government should be looking to extend the travel voucher scheme during the wintertime when it’s not as popular to come here.”

A State Government spokesperson said a further round of travel vouchers will be made available soon, with those not claimed by successful recipients to be released to the general public again.

“Victorians have enthusiastically embraced the regional travel voucher scheme, with the more than 52,000 vouchers claimed in the first-round injecting $85 million into the visitor economy as it continues its recovery from the global pandemic,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also encouraged businesses to access support for mental health and wellbeing, financial counselling, help to improve their online presence and one-on-one mentoring sessions through Business Victoria if needed.