Some of the six regional Victorian areas involved in the state’s vaccine economy trial could have fewer local businesses selected to be involved than other areas.
Key points:
- The trial will allow higher patron numbers at selected venues
- Peak industry bodies will each need to nominate two to three businesses in total to join
- Scheme will present administrative challenges for businesses and staff needing to manage it
The trial, which starts on October 11, will allow higher patron numbers at selected venues as long as all attendees are confirmed as fully vaccinated, paving the way for plans to open the state up on October 26.
On Monday night, Warrnambool City Council chief executive Peter Schneider met with industry bodies, the nominated regional councils, and the Department of Jobs, Precincts, Planning and Regions to discuss the details.
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)Mr Schneider said the government confirmed around 12 peak industry bodies will each need to nominate two to three businesses in total to join the trial by close of business tomorrow.
A final decision will be made by Friday.
“So they could nominate three; one of them could be from Warrnambool, one from East Gippsland, one from Bendigo,” he said.
The government confirmed customers will need to show proof of vaccination through MyGov and Medicare, and they will provide support personnel to assist businesses through the trial.
Mr Schneider said customer caps for businesses will increase from 10 to 30 guests.
“If you have a restaurant that runs from breakfast through to dinner in the evenings and you’re turning over your tables on a regular basis, you could quite easily increase [your guest] numbers to 100 plus in a day, which makes the viability of a business much better,” he said.
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)Victorian Tourism Industry Council chief executive Felicia Mariani said while the trial is welcome news, it poses major challenges for businesses and staff needing to manage it.
“People have to rehire, they have to retrain, this is going to be very challenging,” she said.
Ms Mariani wants to see campaign focused on educating consumers, so the community does not put businesses under strain.
“We’re going to have to start planning ahead now, we’re going to start booking ahead, and things are going to take a little longer,” she said.
“Things are going to be a bit slower and we’re going to have to resign ourselves to the fact that this is the new world that we all live in.”
