On behalf of rural communities, Rural Councils Victoria welcomes the state government’s announcement today that rural Victoria will move to the next step of lockdown from 11:59pm tomorrow [Wednesday] night.
Rural Councils Victoria Chair Cr Mary-Ann Brown said:
“This is a great move in the right direction. Rural Victorians have done an amazing job in keeping the virus under control.”
“This latest announcement will allow rural Victorians to begin to get back to business and to a new kind of normal.”
“I was absolutely delighted at what the Premier said, especially in saying well done to rural and regional Victorians and the tremendous work they have done.”
“Rural Victoria is large and diverse and very different to metropolitan Melbourne, or regional cities such as Geelong, Ballarat or Bendigo. Our experience with COVID-19 has also been different.”
“The government’s support for the next phase of lockdown and the financial support for businesses is welcomed.”
“At RCV we are aware that moving out of lockdown is much more difficult and dangerous than moving into lockdown and we urge all Victorians to remain vigilant and healthy.”
“We have been advocating for rural Victoria to be treated differently to metropolitan Melbourne and regional cities on the basis that there were few or no cases in most rural municipalities and this announcement delivers on that.”
“We look forward to continuing to work with the government to make life and business better for all Victorians.”
The announcement means that: