In a statement, the owners of the QuickFit Health Club in Delacombe Nick Prince and Ian Coutts said the decision was "disappointing"

The decision by Premier Daniel Andrews showed "a fundamental lack of understanding of the gym environment and what it provides to members of the community," they wrote.

Mr Prince and Mr Coutts also said they had taken measures to significantly reduce the chances of infection - and called for the government to give more guidance on what else they needed to do.

"For gyms to be told that they are by their 'very nature unsafe' and then not be told how to implement or make changes to make them safe (in the government's eyes), is frustrating for businesses who are trying to survive and also plan for the future," they told The Courier.

They argued that the government had offered support to help other sectors provide COVID-19 safe environments - but had not given the same for their industry.

"As one of the industries most affected by COVID-19 restrictions, it is hard to comprehend why no such support has yet been announced for gyms and fitness facilities," they said.

They also said gym use helped to reduce the risk of poor mental health and prevent secondary health impacts of COVID-19 restrictions.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? HAVE YOUR SAY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE

"Our members and the wider community will rightly be disappointed at the stereo-typical labelling of gyms as being unsafe and the many contradictions based on perceived preference on certain entertainment, personal service and lifestyle venues."

Their disappointment was echoed by the CEO of Commerce Ballarat Jodie Gillett, who also stressed the negative impact of keeping gyms closed. "They are critical, and we need to get them open," she said. "We are talking about looking after the mental health of our community - and gyms are a part of that."

(FULL GYM-OWNERS STATEMENT BELOW)

Below is a statement from the owners of QuickFit Health Club, Delacombe - Nick Prince and Ian Coutts:

'Whilst it is welcoming to see some lifting of restrictions in Regional Victoria that enable people to engage more freely adhering to COVID-19 safe measures, we are disappointed to hear that indoor gyms and fitness facilities remain closed.

There is, in our opinion and many other gym and fitness owners in Ballarat which has zero COVID-19 cases for several weeks, a fundamental lack of understanding of the gym environment and what it provides to members of the community in addressing a number of health, social and economic issues as well as the measures already implemented to significantly reduce cross infection.

Gyms and fitness facilities provide a vital service for people within the local community to maintain and improve their health and fitness. Regular exercise in supportive environments is known to reduce the risk of poor mental health, helps prevent secondary health impacts as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions as well as providing a safe and supportive environment to many people confronted with burdening lifestyle related diseases and as a therapeutic contribution to managing post-traumatic stress.

The public health rationale and explanation given at the news press conference stating that gyms were unsafe is at odds with the current evidence and research that overwhelmingly supports the re-opening of gyms that provide a COVID-19 safe environment.

Our members and the wider community will rightly be disappointed at the stereo-typical labelling of gyms as being unsafe and the many contradictions based on perceived preference on certain entertainment, personal service and lifestyle venues.

The decision to keep gym and fitness facilities closed whilst other business re-open or expand their services does not reflect the research undertaken that suggests gyms that have put in place COVID-19 safe plans and have invested in enhanced hygiene practices and are by nature a controlled environment are any less safe. Nor, has the decision reflected the discourse between the fitness industry peak body 'Fitness Australia and The State Government of Victoria.

We urge the Government and the health department (DHHS) to reconsider the advice given based on current research, the role the gym and fitness facilities play in reducing risk to other diseases and promoting health and wellbeing including mental health.

For gyms to be told that they are by their 'very nature unsafe' and then not be told how to implement or make changes to make them safe (in the governments eyes), is frustrating for businesses who are trying to survive and also plan for the future.

In addition, if changes required were communicated at an early stage, gyms could then be making the required changes now - while they are closed.

The government has already announced a number of industry specific support packages to assist them to change/adapt their businesses to provide COVID-19 Safe environments.

And yet as one of the industries most affected by COVID-19 restrictions, it is hard to comprehend why no such support has yet been announced for gyms and fitness facilities.'

WHAT DO YOU THINK? HAVE YOUR SAY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thankyou very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.