Builders around the region are in wait-and-see mode as they prepare for changes following Melbourne's move to stage four COVID-19 restrictions.
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One of the main concerns voiced has been uncertainty of the availability of workers coming from Melbourne to work on Ballarat projects.
Integra land development director, Nick Grylewicz said bringing staff in from metropolitan Victoria is causing some confusion, however believes Ballarat's return to stage three COVID-19 restrictions won't affect his projects.
"There will definitely be some effects felt from the shutting down of Melbourne, not so much the restrictions in Ballarat. We'll continue on as we did with the last lockdown," he said.
"Our only real concern is for some of our contractors that come from the city and potentially some of the supply and delivery of some of the products we use. We're fortunate that we're able to keep things moving here with our current contractors."
These sentiments were echoed by Nicholson Construction director Richard Nicholson, who said his business will continue to work with whatever directives passed down by the state government.
"The thing we're waiting to get clarity on is whether we are able to get workers from Melbourne," he said.
"Deliveries are one thing, because all that happens is a guy rolls up with a truck, you unload it and he's on his way, whereas working on site can be a confronting challenge.
"What is clear is the message that the Premier wants the state to wind back the productivity in order to wind back the movement, we understand that... it's just a question of what impact is that going to have on our jobs. Putting that aside, our projects remain open."
Access to supplies businesses would normally source easily from Melbourne has posed another issue for some.
Dracon Construction owner, Adam Drake, added his business is not short on work to do, but is unsure about being able to access necessary supplies.
"Stage three restrictions don't change things for me regionally, however supply issues from Melbourne might be a concern," he said.
"That will be the deciding factor in what my business can actually achieve during this time... I've got tons of work to do, I couldn't tell you how much work we have, but that's no use if I can't get the materials needed. There have been some issues already, delays and whatnot, but that's something we just have to work around."
Eureka Concrete operations manager Ryan Waight said while his initial concern about supplies have been eased, the prospect of people delaying projects is very real.
"In terms of what's happening out in Ballarat, it's hard to know if this will hurt us or slow us right away," he said.
"When it comes to people who may have been looking to build a house, we could start to see people holding off for a few months to see what the world looks like."
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