- Roadmap generally welcomed
- Ballarat lockdown to lift on schedule tonight
- More clarity called for by REIV on inspection rules
Victoria has had it tough, with a sustained lockdown, a construction shutdown, protestors causing further issues and even an earthquake. So, a plan out of lockdown has been welcomed.
Ballarat lockdown lifts on schedule
Firstly, the City of Ballarat will see its seven-day lockdown lift from 11:59 pm tonight.
Victoria’s government has praised the Ballarat community for its efforts and sacrifices to help slow the spread of Covid locally and preventing a longer lockdown.
In the last week, around 10,000 tests have been processed from testing locations across Ballarat – which is almost one-tenth of the city’s population. 18 local cases have been identified, with no new cases today.
Ballarat will move to the COVID Safe settings it had prior to lockdown, with no reasons required to leave the home and no limit on travel throughout regional Victoria.
Real Estate Institute of Victoria response
While the REIV has welcomed the Victorian Government’s recent decision to ease restrictions on private property inspections, it is calling on the Victorian Government to provide more clarity regarding the roadmap out of lockdown.
“We have reviewed the sections relevant to the real estate sector and are seeking more information, mainly because there is a lack of detail that’s creating substantial confusion and uncertainty.”
Gil King, REIV CEO
“The roadmap is long and ambiguous which is making it very difficult for businesses to plan and prepare. The recently announced processes regarding property inspections for sale, end of lease or settlement in restricted areas remains a guessing game with many aspects and advice ignored and questions unanswered,” said Mr King.
The Property Council has also said it is seeking clarification, specifically on whether commercial real estate inspections can proceed as announced this week, or if they must instead wait until October as the Roadmap indicates.
Property Council response
PCA has welcomed the announcement that fully vaccinated workers can return to the office from November 5 and that the construction sector can resume full operation once the state reaches 80% vaccination levels.
PCA’s Victorian executive director, Danni Hunter, praised the Victorian government.
“The Government’s Roadmap is a sensible, balanced plan for the timely reopening of Victoria as our vaccination rates increase, and as we tackle the continuing challenges to our health system brought about by the pandemic.”
Danni Hunter, PCA executive director
Ms Hunter emphasised the disruption and damage that lockdowns have had on businesses across Melbourne’s CBD.
“After 230 days of lockdowns, Melbourne’s CBD has been devastated by the pandemic. Many businesses have closed, office occupancy and vacancies are at record high levels and the city is on life support.”
There was also a call for the Government to lead the way with its own, Ms Hunter said.
“The Government should lead from the front and require vaccinated members of the public service to return to the office for a minimum of three days per week and launch a program of proactive communications and incentive campaigns to entice people back to the office and the CBD.”
