Melburnians urged to holiday in Victoria after lockdown
It’s less than two weeks until the city’s “ring of steel” and 25km travel limit are lifted, with Premier Daniel Andrews urging stir-crazy Melburnians to travel around Victoria, instead of venturing interstate.
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Melburnians have been urged to put regional Victoria first once travel to country areas and interstate is permitted.
SA could be the first state to open to Victorians, with the NT also flagging they were considering welcoming their southern neighbours soon.
Melbourne’s “ring of steel” and the 25km travel limit for metropolitan residents is slated to be lifted from November 9.
Premier Daniel Andrews encouraged stir-crazy Victorians to “spend whatever they can on a holiday in regional Victoria rather than heading to NSW or anywhere else”.
Country Victorian tourism operators welcomed Mr Andrews’ words.
Mildura Paddle Steamers marketing manager Ashton Kreuzer said it was a step in the right direction after a challenging year.
“Opening up metro Melbourne is just going to bring out that next wave of people,” Ms Kreuzer said.
Phillip Island’s IM Glamping owners India Payne and Melodie Shakespear said they had bookings until Christmas.
“We are grateful that restrictions are easing so we get to continue what we love and those who deserve a break get one,” the pair said.
Judy Rankin, who owns holiday houses in Bright and Corryong, has been inundated with bookings.
She said people were keen to support towns heavily affected by last summer’s bushfires by visiting them.
But it might be some time before Victorians are spoiled for choice, with most state premiers flagging it could be weeks before they open their borders.
The Premier said he was optimistic about some states and would speak with leaders later this week.
“If all of Victoria can be united then I don’t see why we can’t be united with NSW,” Mr Andrews said.
“Beyond that, I don’t think WA sees any change, and I don’t think Queensland sees any change either.”
SA Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier said she would “monitor the results” of Victoria’s gradual reopening before making any decision.
“Our number one priority is protecting the health and wellbeing of our community and any changes to restrictions, including the border, will only occur when we can put the safety of South Australians first,” Prof Spurrier said.
NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the Top End could be open to Melbourne before Christmas if the COVID-19 numbers remained on track.
“If we can land that before Christmas I think that will be huge for the country,” Mr Gunner said.
NSW Health said it was closely watching Victoria.
According to Queensland’s reopening road map, the Sunshine State borders will remain closed to Victoria until “community transmission is under control”, including being free of mystery cases for 28 days.
On Tuesday, Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein announced he would open the state’s borders to New South Wales from Friday next week, meaning Victorians will be the only Australians no allowed in.
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