Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 14 September
Published on 14 September 2021
Restrictions eased in regional Victoria
In some very welcome news, late last week saw the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in regional Victoria (excluding Greater Shepparton).
With the easing of restrictions, there is now no limit on the distance regional Victorians can travel from home. However, you can only travel to Melbourne or Greater Shepparton for a permitted reason and you must follow restrictions once you’re in these areas.
The Authorised Worker list also no longer applies in the regions, meaning most businesses and venues can reopen with capacity and density limits. While office workers are able to return up to 25 per cent capacity or up to 10 people (whichever is greater), if you can work from home, you should continue to work from home.
Private gatherings in homes are not allowed, except for intimate partner or single person bubble. Public gatherings outdoors (such as a park) are permitted for up to 10 people.
Regional schools have reopened for onsite learning for Prep to Grade 2 and Year 12 students who live in regional Victoria, while remote learning will remain for all other levels.
Onsite supervision at schools remains available for vulnerable children and children of essential workers in all year levels.
Restaurants and cafes can reopen for seated service with patron caps. Retail, hairdressing, entertainment venues and community facilities will also open in line with density limits and patron caps. Masks will continue to be required indoors and outdoors, apart from private residences, unless an exception applies.
Council’s Wedderburn office has also reopened, as has the Loddon Visitor Information Centre. Please remember to wear your mask, social distance, sanitise your hands and check in using the QR code upon entry with the Services Victoria app.
For more information regarding current restrictions, visit the COVIDSafe Settings website.
Startup Central Victoria
Aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs from across Central Victoria, including those in Loddon Shire, are invited to participate in a suite of free opportunities to grow their business ideas.
Provided by the Startup Central Victoria project, the free events and programs will see you connect with and be supported by developers, designers, established entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Upcoming online events include an Opportunities Forum on Thursday 30 September at 6pm. The forum aims to inspire those looking for an idea for a start-up or business in Central Victoria, and to learn more about key regional opportunities.
Other upcoming online events include Hackathon from 15 to 17 October, as well as Accelerator Program from 25 October to 10 December and 14 February to 1 April 2022 (consisting of three tailored learning streams).
To find out more and to register for upcoming events visit the website.
The Startup Central Victoria project is funded by Regional Development Victoria, led by the City of Greater Bendigo and resourced by La Trobe University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship team and partners.
Small Business Energy Saver Program
Sustainability Victoria, in partnership with the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) are running a Small Business Energy Saver Program, aimed at helping small businesses reduce their costs and greenhouse emissions.
The program provides small businesses with a discount that covers up to 85 per cent of the full equipment and installation cost when upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment.
The CVGA can work with you to identify which equipment your business is eligible to be upgraded. To be eligible, small businesses must have one to 19 employees (full-time equivalent) and be in a commercial (non-residential) premises.
A range of equipment upgrades are qualified for the discount, such as replacement of inefficient electric hot water systems and gas hot water systems, upgrading to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners, installation of energy-efficient refrigerator display cabinets, and more.
For more information visit the CVGA website.
Mobile coverage and broadband survey – closing soon
A Victorian Government survey regarding feedback for prioritising better mobile and broadband connectivity closes this Monday 20 September.
The survey is an opportunity to have your say about connectivity issues where you live or work, and when you’re out and about. It will also help the State Government to understand where mobile and broadband improvements are needed across Victoria.
The survey is part of the $550 million Connecting Victoria program, under which the Victorian Government is fast-tracking better mobile coverage and broadband across the state.
The program will focus on getting more Victorians access to business-grade broadband and upgrading mobile coverage, improving 4G mobile coverage, helping more places become 5G ready, and improving access to safety information during bushfires and other emergencies.
Find out more and take the survey here.