Chapel Street traders slam Andrews Government over crisis
Thousands of businesses in Australia’s biggest shopping and dining precinct have been feeling the strain of the pandemic but now the Chapel Street Precinct says the Andrews Government’s handling of the hotel quarantine crisis will devastate the area.
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Australia’s biggest shopping and dining strip has slammed Victoria’s handling of COVID-19, saying the second wave is crippling already struggling businesses.
Thousands of Chapel St businesses have been placed under enormous strain by the pandemic, a business group says.
The Chapel Street Precinct Association says the State Government’s bungling of the hotel quarantine crisis meant businesses faced an uncertain future.
“Every day seems to be getting worse — Daniel Andrews’ failure will now cost our great city tens of millions of dollars and lost jobs, and that is devastating for all our businesses that are doing the right thing,” the association’s general manager Chrissie Maus said.
“It’s only days until this starts affecting all remaining suburbs in Melbourne and it will be heartbreaking for our iconic area.”
Ms Maus said another statewide stage three lockdown would be another “nail” for businesses.
“If we have to go back into stage three lockdown it will be devastating for our businesses that have all done the right thing,” she said.
“We are leading by example and we are going to be punished for it.”
The association’s bar and nightclub spokesman, Andrew Szoeke, said the situation was “extremely frustrating” after some parts of the country eased restrictions and business reopened.
“Everyone wants to get back to work and particularly when you plan to do so, and then the brakes are put on. It’s frustrating for staff and for business as well,” Mr Szoeke said.
“It’s really difficult for everyone at the moment.”
Brick and Mortar Supply clothing shop owner Brendan Parks said the pandemic had provided an obstacle but he was prepared for any new challenges.
“It’s been a challenge to make ends meet throughout recent months but we are ready and looking forward to the new world,” Mr Parks said.
“If the second wave comes and stage three restrictions are put back in place, we will stay vigilant in the fight against COVID.”
Chapel Street Precinct president Justin O’Donnell says they can’t rely on the government to manage the crisis.
“It is damning on our State Government and Daniel Andrews that they did not effectively manage hotel quarantine properly and now we are faced with further suburbs being locked down,” said Mr O’Donnell.
“As we can’t simply rely on our Government to effectively manage this, it is now up to us to make the difference as a community that cares and supports each other.”
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