Henderson claims Great Ocean Road may be closed

VICTORIAN Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson is urging people to stay at home to limit the spread of the coronavirus and the potential need for more severe restrictions, including closing the Great Ocean Road.

With school holidays now under way and Easter soon approaching, Senator Henderson implored people to avoid all unessential travel.

“This holidays, just stay at home. Only leave your home when absolutely necessary. Even a day trip to the coast can put other people at risk.

“If Victorians don’t follow this advice, then I believe we will need to close all beaches and the Great Ocean Road.”

Beaches and caravan parks along the Great Ocean Road have been closed to prevent people gathering in proximity.

But Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism (GORRT) general manager Liz Price said closing the Great Ocean Road itself would have severe implications.

“The Great Ocean Road closes twice a year for events, and even that causes significant hardships for the locals.

“We have to look after the locals, some of who work in healthcare and other essential services.”

Senator Henderson acknowledged there would be costs to closing the Great Ocean Road, but said the enormity of the situation may necessitate it anyway.

“After being such a champion of the Great Ocean Road visitor economy over so many years, it is so difficult to tell people to stay at home. But we have to take these very tough decisions to save lives.”

She also said the demographics of some communities on the road made the risks even greater.

“Towns such as Lorne and Anglesea have a high proportion of older residents; we simply cannot afford to put anyone at risk.”