The changes that will come into effect from 11.59pm tonight include:

• Private real estate inspections permitted by appointment only
• The five-kilometre movement restriction will expand to 10 kilometres
• Outdoor gyms of up to two people and skate parks will reopen
• Outdoor exercise and outdoor social interaction time will increase from two to four hours
• Outdoor gatherings of up to five people permitted with conditions.

From 23 September, construction workers will need to show evidence to their employer that they have received at least one vaccination dose and they will not be permitted to cross between Metropolitan and Regional Victoria from 11.59pm tomorrow.

In good news for Regional Victoria (excluding Ballarat), gyms and indoor pools will reopen from 11.59pm tomorrow.

The Victorian Chamber is eagerly awaiting the State Government’s flagged release of the COVID-19 Recovery Roadmap on Sunday. We hope this will be a detailed roadmap that determines when business and venues will be given the green light to reopen safely with capacity and density limits and when workers can return to offices.

The Victorian Chamber has consistently advocated to government on what the roadmap should look like on behalf of our members, including producing our own version last week. Victoria’s roadmap should align with that of NSW to ensure national consistency.

Businesses that continue to be impacted by closures and density limits should continue to access the Federal and State Government financial assistance they are entitled to. The Victorian Chamber stands ready to help all those who are eligible for support.

To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra:

“The changes announced today will provide minor relief for Metropolitan Victorians enduring their 228^th day of lockdown and there is some good news for real estate and personal training, as well as gyms and pools in Regional Victoria.

“We now eagerly anticipate the release of the State Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Roadmap and hope that it reflects the submissions that we have made on behalf of our members, including clear targets and thresholds, as well as public health orders around mandatory vaccination for consumer-facing sectors to get us to 70 and then 80 per cent double vaccinated faster.

“Victorians deserve a clear roadmap with all vaccination stages accounted for and showing when and how they will be able to open. It’s clear that lockdowns are taking their toll and Victorians are looking to their leaders to provide certainty and a freeway to freedom.”