Road map out of lockdown Mornington Peninsula: Outdoor dining bubbles
Mornington Peninsula hospitality traders have an innovative plan to reopen outdoor dining now. And with a dramatic drop in new infections putting the region on track for zero cases, they might get their wish.
South East
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Mornington Peninsula businesses want to go alfresco for customers within a 5km bubble now, rather than waiting for Stage 4 restrictions to be eased.
Mayor Sam Hearn said the move would allow traders to generate more business and “slowly build” to a full service once customers were allowed to travel beyond their immediate neighbourhood.
“It would also help strengthen community connectivity which is so important to everyone’s general wellbeing and mental health,” Cr Hearn said.
Under the State Government’s road map out of lockdown outdoor dining would not be allowed until October 26, if daily case targets were met.
But Cr Hearn said Mornington Peninsula businesses should be allowed to offer alfresco meals sooner.
“We have done a good job of keeping the number of (coronavirus) cases low on the Mornington Peninsula. We have just six now.”
The council has asked the State Government to reclassify the area as regional for the purpose of making decisions about COVID-19 restrictions.
If the government agreed, Mornington Peninsula would join country Victoria when it moved forward as many as two recovery steps as early as next week.
The hopeful move was announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on Thursday morning, after it was revealed non-metro areas now hosted just 74 active cases along with a 4.7 average daily increase.
“I want regional Victoria to take not just one step, but if the numbers allow, two steps,” Mr Andrews said.
“We’re doing a power of work at the moment to be ready for that. That can occur next week.
“The area of real focus, the priority will be making sure we don’t have (people) from Metro Melbourne travelling to regional Victoria and potentially taking the virus with them.”
Nepean MP Chris Brayne said the region was included in the Metropolitan Melbourne lockdown because of active cases in neighbouring Casey and Frankston.
“There is also significant movement of people to and from the peninsula … including for instance the many peninsula residents working at Frankston Hospital.
“It is important that with this level of interconnectedness, our people and our community does everything it can to keep each other safe.
“We need to do everything we can to get on top of this virus now so that the Mornington Peninsula can have a recovery Summer.”
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