Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 23 November
Published on 23 November 2021
Further easing of restrictions
Last week the Victorian Government announced the lifting of almost all remaining restrictions statewide for fully vaccinated people. There are now no limits in the home and no caps or density limits for cafes and restaurants. We are pleased to be able to welcome tourists and visitors to our businesses and natural attractions in the Loddon Valley.
Masks are required for workers and customers at indoor retail, for visitors and select workers in hospitals or care facilities, for people using public transport, taxi/rideshare and planes, and for workers serving the public at hospitality venues.
Masks are also required for primary school staff and visitors and for students in Years 3 to 6.
For more information regarding COVIDSafe Settings for living and working in Victoria, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-settings
The Victorian Government also announced changes around isolation requirements. The vast majority of people who come into contact with a confirmed positive case outside their home will no longer have to self-quarantine. These contacts will be required to get a standard (PCR) test and isolate until they get a negative result.
This means exposure in places like offices, restaurants or nightclubs won’t automatically result in quarantine for the patrons or staff, who previously would have been designated Primary Close Contacts at Tier 1 exposure sites.
The Department of Health will continue to manage emerging outbreaks of concern and ‘superspreader events’ and can impose a quarantine period on contacts on a case-by-case basis, depending on evidence.
Exposure sites will no longer be published. Instead, the Department will use the new alert function in the Service Victoria app to notify patrons of higher-risk venues where positive cases have been present – such as restaurants, gyms and nightclubs – and advise them to get tested.
The Victorian Government has developed a COVID Checklist, which provides information on what to do if you test positive to COVID-19. You can view the information at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist
Fire Danger Period for Loddon now in effect
The Fire Danger Period for Loddon Shire began at 1am on 22 November.
This means that fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from the CFA or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.
Fire Danger Periods are based on local conditions and take into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather and rainfall.
Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $19,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces.
The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed.
For more information about what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Period visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can
To apply for a fire permit visit https://firepermits.vic.gov.au/
Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/farms
This information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers.
Women Entrepreneurs in Conversation
Startup Central Victoria together with the Regional Health Innovation Hub will hold a free online event focusing on a conversation about data and health celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs in regional Victoria.
The event, Women Entrepreneurs in Conversation – data and health, will be held on Wednesday 1 December from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
It will feature three speakers: Castlemaine based Founder and Director in the health, technology and social innovation sectors Lexi Randall-L'Estrange, founder of Rural Health Connect Megan Gomez and co-founder of Bendigo-based firm Square V Vicki Lane.
For more information and to register visit
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/women-entrepreneurs-in-conversation-tickets-210748132337
Business recovery and resilience mentoring
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Victorian Government is offering free business mentoring for eligible businesses.
The Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring Program offers tailored guidance on business recovery, market transformation, digital literacy and engagement, market and supply chain diversification and reskilling and retraining.
Participants in the program receive up to four, free two-hour sessions with a mentor, will be given guidance to help make informed decisions about the future of their business and be matched with an industry leader who suits their business needs.
Applications for the program, which has limited spaces remaining, are closing soon.
For more information and to apply visit https://bit.ly/3oV7NAS