Loddon Shire Mayoral Column

Published on 20 July 2020

COVID-19 updates

I am sure that like me, many of you are concerned by the way the number of new COVID-19 cases have been creeping back up, leading to the return of many restrictions and more business uncertainty.

While most of the new cases have been related to the metropolitan areas, it is a timely reminder that all of us have a part to play to slow the spread of the virus, in order to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

For regional Victoria, the Stay Safe message is still in place. This means everyone must practice good hygiene, maintain physical distancing, stay home and avoid contact if you are feeling unwell and get tested if you have any symptoms, even if they are mild. You should take care wherever you go and assume others may be carrying the virus.

The Chief Health Officer is now recommending that adults should wear face masks when in public places where it is difficult to maintain 1.5 metres distance from others. This change of message is due to the higher rates of community transmission recently and is an extra precaution to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The face mask is seen to be an additional measure and does not replace the advice on hygiene and keeping a distance as well as staying at home if unwell. Following these guidelines are things we can all do to help keep people in Loddon safe.

Non-contact sport continues

Full-contact sport training and competition for people aged 19 and over which had been set to resume on 20 July in regional Victoria, has now been halted. This decision was made in the light of the rising number of active cases of coronavirus in Melbourne and some regional areas.

Further easing of restrictions will be reconsidered at the end of July. Meanwhile the Victorian Government has promised to work with the sport and recreation sector to explore recovery options and help clubs return to sport when safe to do so.

Social isolation initiative

For many Victorians, physical distancing and social or work-related restrictions have led to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. For those already lonely or isolated before the pandemic, it’s been even harder to get help to feel happy and well.

The Community Activation and Social Isolation initiative will expand the Victoria coronavirus hotline (1800 675 398) by partnering with the Australian Red Cross, whose volunteers have been trained to provide emotional support and help callers who may be distressed or anxious.

The hotline will also link people to community connectors for local practical supports and social activities. A Social Support Hub has also been set up for older Victorians, to help them stay connected and participate in social activities. Seniors can find out what is available in their local area at: www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/services-information/social-support-hub.

Go local first

As part of the nationwide ‘Go local first’ campaign, I encourage Loddon Shire residents to show their support for small businesses in their local communities. Our local businesses need our loyal communities to back them now by ‘going local first’ when they need to buy a product or service.

When you shop locally, your money stays in the community. This helps keep local jobs and helps the local economy to thrive. The pandemic has been very hard on small businesses, now is the time to support our local products, tradespeople and services so that they may not only survive, but thrive as we emerge from the effects of COVID-19.

More help for business with Regional Growth Project

Following on from the Regional Growth Summit earlier this year, we are excited to be part of the next phase of this innovative help for business.

The Regional Growth Project will be presented as a webinar series with the first one taking place on Wednesday 22 July. This session will look at how to prepare your business to benefit from tourism and the new visitor economy, with an emphasis on collaboration.

The second webinar will take place on Wednesday 19 August and will extend this theme with practical tips and examples that you can implement in your business immediately.

Regional Growth Project and a variety of regional businesses and organisations will be showcasing current impacts and trends as well as stories of resilience and practical examples of how to prepare and leverage the new visitor economy. The short sessions will work through how businesses on the ground can use these examples for sustainability and growth.

The event is free and participants need to register at the Regional Growth Project landing page www.marketingentourage.online/courses/RGP-HowTo-VisitorEconomy-JulyAug-2020.

Energy Efficient Communities Program

The Energy Efficient Communities Program provides small businesses with grants of up to $20,000 to improve their energy efficiency.

Grants may be used for equipment and component improvements, energy audits, feasibility studies and energy use and emission monitoring.

Applications opened on 6 July and close on 26 August and are available for between $5,000 and $20,000 to support small business and save energy. For eligibility and other details, visit the website: www.business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Energy-Efficient-Communities-Program-Small-Business.

Works and maintenance

As mentioned in an earlier Mayoral Column, our teams have been completing works throughout the Shire.

The footpath program in Inglewood is complete, while the Bridgewater program of works in Main Street, Lyndhurst and Lilly Streets is nearing completion.

In the last financial year, our team carried out 3,665 maintenance grading work actions which resulted in 2,514 kilometres of inspections as well as 1,885 kilometres of grading.

The Works Department is now preparing to begin the 2020/2021 Capital Works Program.