The City of Greater Geelong welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement that regional Victoria will move into the ‘Third Step’ of its roadmap to reopening from Thursday.
The ‘Third Step’ will ease a number of restrictions in Greater Geelong, with a particular focus on outdoor social and sporting activities.
In a much-needed boost for our region’s hospitality sector, indoor and outdoor dining will be able to resume in our hospitality venues.
The City is committed to working with businesses to quickly activate their outdoor spaces and to fast-track consideration of applications.
We encourage operators to talk with neighbouring businesses and their traders’ groups to come up with common aspirations that provide benefits for their precinct.
Council has already delivered an Economic Support Package to waive costs for alfresco dining permits, A frame permits and food premises registrations.
Further COVID-19 support initiatives are being considered over the coming days.
We encourage hospitality businesses to seek available grants of up to $5000 from the Victorian Government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package.
These grants could assist with purchasing practical items such as umbrellas and furniture to assist with the move outdoors.
The City will also apply for $500,000 from the same Victorian Government package to help waive permit fees and provide upgraded public infrastructure in our precincts.
Under the ‘Third Step’, tourist accommodation will be able to host residents from across regional Victoria.
We encourage regional Victorians to come and visit us, safely, starting with the school holidays this weekend.
The City will launch a targeted tourism campaign through Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, backed by $500,000 allocated in an earlier Community and Economic Support Package approved by Council.
The domestic ‘short break’ campaign will encourage residents from regional centres such as Bendigo and Ballarat to come and visit the Geelong and Bellarine region.
The City will also be able to reopen its skate parks and work with community sporting clubs to help them create a COVID-safe environment for training and matches.
