Three Ballarat business organisations have written to Premier Daniel Andrews and his cabinet calling on greater consideration for regional Victoria in the event of further snap lockdowns.
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The letter from Commerce Ballarat, Ballarat Regional Tourism and the Committee for Ballarat, addressed to Mr Andrews, Treasurer Tim Pallas, Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula and Small Business Minister Jaala Pulford, asks for a more nuanced approach to future lockdowns, greater clarity and consistency for restrictions at each stage and greater clarity for the unique circumstances of border communities.
It also asks for improved communication through the relevant government departments to handle the enquiries of businesses and the community in a consistent, accurate and timely manner.
The letter has been backed by six committees for cities, including those in Geelong and Gippsland, and nine chambers of commerce, including Bendigo, Wodonga and Geelong.
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The letter acknowledged the reasons for the five-day snap lockdown but urged the state government to prepare a plan for any further shutdowns including separate plans for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, such as what was in place during the second lockdown last year.
"A 'one-size-fits-all' approach may have been necessary given the presence of the uncertainty of the UK strain of the virus, but a total shutdown of the economy cannot be the only answer if we are to live with some levels of the virus in the community into the future," the letter said.
"Businesses and livelihoods suffer unnecessarily when a state-wide shutdown is imposed and the impact of this is disproportional when considering metropolitan, regional and rural areas."
The letter said businesses had not been able to receive answers from government agencies to questions created from a lack of clarity on the imposed restrictions.
"This most recent shutdown saw different stage four restrictions apply than was previously the case in 2020. This caused confusion and added further stress to business and the community," the letter said.
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"Formal channels for communication through various government agencies have not been able to provide answers to the questions business has had, both when the restrictions were announced and when they were eased.
"The lack of timely information, incorrect and inaccurate information erodes confidence in government, enhances uncertainty and adds yet another burden to businesses across the state."
The letter said the organisations wished to work with the state government on issues that are unique to regional Victoria.
"The business communities we represent are very much a part of the entire Victorian community and want to ensure the health and the economic interests of Victoria can be assured as we face the ongoing challenges of COVID-19," the letter said.
"Regional Victoria is a key contributor to the state's economy and its social fabric. We believe our voice can assist government as it leads the State's fight against the virus."