Shire committed to helping local business reopen

Published on 28 October 2020

Mornington Peninsula Shire has welcomed the easing of COVID restrictions and committed to doing its utmost to help local businesses get back on their feet and reopen.
 
Shire CEO John Baker said: “The easing of COVID restrictions is fantastic news and I’d like to sincerely thank every member of our community for playing their part in helping get on top of this second wave of coronavirus.”
 
“Now it’s time for us as a community to focus on how we can support our local businesses by engaging local service providers and shopping locally, wherever possible.
 
“The Shire’s focus is firmly on getting our local businesses trading again. This is our number one priority. We want to make it as easy as possible for local businesses to trade in a way that will maximise turnover while remaining COVID-safe.
 
“We have already instigated a light touch, streamlined permit system for extended outdoor trading, including extended footpath space and new parklets, which repurpose car parking spaces outside shop fronts.
 
“We are also currently working closely with the business community to identify key shopping strips that could be opened up to pedestrians and diners.
 
“We want to provide more options to enable people to support our local economy and enjoy all the Peninsula has to offer.”
 
The easing of restrictions means that from today:

• There are no restrictions on reasons to leave the house, but you must remain within 25km of home (with exceptions, including care for childminding, end of life, resting place, real estate)
• If you can work from home, you must continue to work from home. If you can’t work from home, you do not need to carry a permit to attend work. However, you still need a permit to travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria for work or study  
• Up to 10 people may gather outdoors from any number of households, or more than 10 if all from the same household (children under 12 months of age not included in the limit)
• Up to two adults and their dependents may visit your home at a time, with visits limited to one per day, from within a 25km radius of your home. Masks are recommended to be worn and a record kept
• Households will be restricted to one visiting event per day, meaning those who receive visitors cannot also visit someone else that day
• Cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and food courts can reopen. Restrictions apply
• Retail shops can reopen
• Markets can reopen.

Shire services:

• Library branches remain open for click and collect (no appointment necessary).  Deliveries are available for vulnerable community members
• Community halls will remain closed, with some exceptions
• Tips are open for all waste from today. The centres will still be closed over lunch (12-12:30pm) to allow change of staff and lunch breaks. All waste vouchers for the 19-20 financial year have been automatically extended until 31 December 2020
• Mount Martha Golf Course is open. Restrictions apply 
• Crib Point Pool is open. Restrictions apply
• Skate parks are open
• Playgrounds are open
• Shire offices will remain closed, with customer service available by phone or online.

For more details on current restrictions, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
 
For more information on the Shire’s extended footpath trading options, the parklets program and the permit application form: mornpen.vic.gov.au/outdoordining