The ring of steel keeping regional Victorians away from their loved ones in Melbourne is coming down.
From November 8, Echuca will again be able to re-open its doors to visitors from metropolitan Melbourne.
At a press conference on October 26, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the border between metro and regional areas will be removed next month.
Mr Andrews said any decision would be based around COVID-19 case numbers continuing to stay low, after the state recorded no new cases on Monday and Tuesday.
On the same date, metropolitan Melbourne will have its restrictions realigned with regional Victoria.
Echuca Moama Tourism chief executive Kathryn Mackenzie described the decision as a massive step forward.
“It is very exciting, and it gives us something to look forward to,” she said.
“About 60 per cent of our tourism market comes from metropolitan Melbourne and we look forward to welcoming them back.
“Echuca-Moama is the closest point to the Murray River from Melbourne, so it is a very easy location for people to get to.
“Our operators have been in constant contact with their loyal visitors and hopefully the phones start ringing as soon as possible.
“We’re now hoping this is the start of a magnificent summer.”
While Echuca is set to benefit from the decision, Ms Mackenzie said the twin towns would still not work as one until the border was re-opened.
“We’re hoping to have some good news from the NSW Government in the coming weeks,” she said.
“I do feel for our accommodation providers on the other side of the river, because it has been a very difficult year for them.
“When that time does come, we will be ready. But it is just important to make sure we are doing it in a safe manner.”
Campaspe Shire Council chief executive Declan Moore said the changes would give the community another much-needed boost.
“The Victorian Government’s announcement that restrictions may be further eased on 8th November, if we continue to drive numbers down, should build confidence that what we’ve all been doing as a state is working,” Mr Moore said.
“Any easing of restrictions will only assist many residents and businesses who have faced significant financial and emotional hardship due to the combination of restrictions that were in place at the regional and metropolitan level.
“Changes to support businesses safely operating, or increasing trade, greatly assists our business and tourism sectors, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas which is traditionally a busy time for us all.
“That noted, we also understand that people may remain somewhat hesitant about the lifting of travel restrictions, so we must remain vigilant about washing our hands, wearing masks, adhering to social distancing and seeking medical attention for any symptoms.”
Echuca Moama Business and Trades Association president Daniel Mackrell said the announcement was a major step forward in the lead-up to Christmas.
“Our group is very pleased to have received this news from the Victorian Government on Monday,” he said.
“But it is important we still remain vigilant and have the systems in place to prepare for an influx of people.
“The health and safety of our community and visitors is paramount to everyone.
“It is good to see Victoria taking a step forward, but as an association we are still going to need some more information from the government.
“We look forward to seeing a sensible plan to help us continue the re-opening process.”
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