Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Update

20 APR 2022

The Victorian Government has announced that most COVID-19 restrictions will be removed from 11:59pm, Friday 22 April 2022

VACCINATION AND CHECK IN

Patrons won’t be required to have two doses or show their vaccination status before entering any venue.
The requirement for staff and patrons of venues to check-in using the Service Victoria app will end, with operators not required to keep any attendance records or maintain a COVID-19 Check-in Marshal.
The existing two-dose and three-dose vaccination mandates for workers are retained.

FACE MASKS

Face masks will no longer be required in hospitality and retail settings, or at events of any size.
Face masks will still be required on public transport and at airports – excluding airport workers who aren’t public facing – and in sensitive health, aged care and justice settings.
Face masks are strongly recommended when you can’t physically distance.

QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION

Close contacts will no longer have to quarantine – provided they wear a face mask indoors and avoid sensitive settings. They will also need to undertake at least five negative rapid tests over the seven days that would previously have been the self-quarantine period.
People are exempt from testing or quarantine for 12 weeks if they’ve had COVID-19 – up from 8 weeks.
The essential requirement to isolate for seven days following a COVID-19 diagnosis is retained.

WORKPLACE CONTACTS

Individuals will be required to notify their workplace contacts, in addition to informing their social contacts.
Workplaces won’t have to individually identify and notify each potentially exposed worker.
It is recommended to work from home if you're a close contact exempt from quarantine.

EVENTS

Events with more than 30,000 people will no longer require public health pre-approval.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS

International travellers who are symptom-free will be recommended but not required to get a PCR or rapid test on arrival, and unvaccinated travellers will no longer complete 7 days’ quarantine. Pre-departure tests for unvaccinated air crew will also be lifted.

COVIDSAFE PLAN

All workplaces will still require a COVIDSafe Plan.

24 FEB 2022 UPDATE

The Government has announced further easing of a number of coronavirus restrictions, effective 11:59pm Friday 25 February, 2022:

Removal of the public health recommendation for Victorians to work or study from home
Masks will no longer be needed in most indoor settings. The only indoor settings requiring a mask, unless an exemption applies, are:
- People on public transport, in taxis and rideshare, on planes, and indoors at an airport
- People working or visiting hospitals, and indoor areas at care facilities
- Workers in hospitality, retail and the court system
- Workers at justice and correctional facilities
- Students in year 3 or above at primary school, and workers at early childhood centres and primary schools (masks can be removed in secondary school)
- People working indoors at an event with more than 30,000 people attending
- In special circumstances, such as if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact and you’re leaving home
Masks are recommended for workers serving or facing members of the public, such as if you are at reception, meeting guests or serving customers.
Fully vaccinated workers who aren’t yet eligible for a third dose will have a third dose deadline of three months and two weeks from when they had their second dose
Workers whose temporary medical exemption (e.g. because they had COVID-19) has expired will have a new third dose deadline of two weeks following the expiry of the medical exemption

Further details on the new restrictions will be published online at coronavirus.vic.gov.au

17 FEB 2022 UPDATE

The Victorian Government has announced the easing of a number of restrictions and recommendations in place during the state’s Omicron surge.

From 6pm Friday, 18 February 2022:

density quotients of one person per two square metres in place at hospitality and entertainment venues will be removed
indoor dancefloors at these venues can re-open
QR code check-in requirements will no longer be in place at retail venues, schools (including childcare and early childhood) and for employees at many workplaces
QR code check-in and vaccination check requirements will remain in all ‘vaccinated economy’ settings, such as hospitality and entertainment venues
mandatory surveillance testing for key industries, including meat processing, will become recommended only
requirements for hospital worker ‘bubbles’ will be removed, but health services may still implement them at their discretion
international arrivals will no longer be required to obtain an international arrivals’ permit
the 14-day hotel quarantine period for international visitors and aircrew who aren’t fully vaccinated or medically exempt will reduce to seven days.

As community transmission of COVID-19 continues to fall throughout Victoria and vaccination coverage increases, the Minister for Health will consider changes to office-based settings from next week.

The Minister will also consider easing existing mitigation strategies in office-based settings such as face mask requirements, with consideration to those who have received a third dose of the vaccine and the added protection that it provides.

Further details on the new restrictions will be published online at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

NATIONAL PLAN TO TRANSITION THE NATIONAL COVID RESPONSE

National Cabinet agreed to formulate a national plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response from its current pre vaccination settings, focussing on continued suppression of community transmission, to post vaccination settings focussed on prevention of serious illness, hospitalisation and fatality, and the public health management of other infectious diseases. To keep reading and see more please CLICK HERE

VACCINATION & FACE MASK REQUIREMENT UPDATE - 15/12/21

COVID-19 restrictions have been updated from 11.59pm Wednesday 15 December.

CLICK HERE to read more

ROADMAP & 24/10 UPDATE

The Victorian Government has outlined further details for the 80 per cent and 90 per cent double dose targets on the Roadmap.

At 6:00pm on Friday 29 October:

Regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will unite and share the same restrictions, enabling people to go boating statewide.
Masks will no longer be required outdoors whilst boating or fishing.
All retail will open. (DQ4)
Most indoor settings, including restaurants, pubs, and boat clubs will open if all staff and patrons are fully vaccinated.
Work from home if you can; or, go to work if you are fully vaccinated.
Community sport permitted indoors and outdoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Accommodation (presumed to include houseboats and other boat rental) is Open, in line with private gathering limits. Vaccination is strongly recommended in this instance.
Further Detail on Work related settings/rules and various other settings are available at the bottom of the article at This Link.

From Wednesday 24 November (predicted date):

Capacity limits or density quotients will be removed for all settings.
Masks will only be mandatory indoors in some high-risk settings.
There will be no restrictions for indoor and outdoor events such as the Discover Boating Showcase (Feb), provided they follow COVIDSafe rules, including vaccination requirements.

COMING OUT OF LOCKDOWN 6.0 - EASING OF RESTRICTIONS FROM THIS FRIDAY 22 OCT 21 (18/10)

Sunday’s announcements, in relation to the Victorian Roadmap, has brought the easing of some restrictions forward by five days. From 11.59pm Thursday 21 October 2021 these are a few of the changes that may be relevant to BIAV members -

The reasons to leave home will no longer be applicable. You can leave home for any reason.
The 15km limit is removed and you can go where you want for boating and other reasons, so long as you don’t cross metro/regional lines.
Outdoor community sport (boating/sailing clubs etc)
- can be open for training only (no competition);
- minimum number required
- change rooms have to remain closed
Other/general retail:
- open for outdoor service only (plus contactless click and collect/delivery)
- boats and other things can be shown and sold outdoors. Good news!
Hospitality providers at boat clubs, marinas and other marine settings, open with:
- outdoor cap of 50 with DQ4
- indoor cap of 20 with DQ4

Click below and scroll to where it says More Resources, to see more information for metro, regional, modelling etc.

Victoria's Roadmap

6.0 STATEWIDE LOCKDOWN UPDATE (01/09)

Current lockdown restrictions remain with the only changes, from 11.59pm on Thursday 2 September, being around playgrounds re-opening and in-home care being expanded to school aged children, conditions apply.

CLICK HERE to view the latest Table of Restrictions (new restrictions highlighted in yellow).

6.0 STATEWIDE LOCKDOWN (21/08)

The main change as of 1pm on 21 August is that the lockdown is statewide.

The restrictions for metro, where there are some changes in childcare and care visits, now apply to all of Victoria.

To view the Table of Restrictions (new restrictions highlighted in yellow) click below

The below info, as previously shared is un-changed, however now applies statewide, and goes until Thursday 2 September.

CLICK HERE to view the latest Table of Restrictions (new restrictions highlighted in yellow).

Some of the restrictions most relevant to BIAV members.

Exercise (up to two hours, with one other person or members of your household) This will include boating/fishing.

Authorised work (see some examples below)
Work: If you can work from home, you must work from home.
General retail: Closed (open for contactless click and collect only)
Hospitality Open for take-away only

Authorised work -

Vehicle and mechanical repair services;
A ‘click and collect’ service
Emergency services, including both volunteers and paid
Administrative services provided by an employer to enable its employees to work from home
Port operations
Freight services
A transport, freight or logistics driver
All manufacturing

NOTE - This list is not exhaustive. Please click on the link to see the full list and to interpret it from your perspective.

6.0 FURTHER EXTENSION (16/08)

The current Lockdown 6 has been extended for an additional two weeks, until Thursday 2 September. This also comes with a 9pm til 5am curfew and the closing of playgrounds.

In terms of business and trading, it seems the same restrictions are in place, please see below.

CLICK HERE to view the Table of Restrictions (changes highlighted in yellow)

Some of the restrictions most relevant to BIAV members.

Stay home unless -

Shopping for necessary goods and services
Caregiving or compassionate reasons
Authorised work (see some examples below)
Exercise (up to two hours, with one other person or members of your household) This will include boating/fishing.
Receive a COVID-19 vaccination

Work: If you can work from home, you must work from home.

General retail: Closed (open for contactless click and collect only)

Hospitality: Open for take-away only

Authorised work -

Vehicle and mechanical repair services;
A ‘click and collect’ service
Emergency services, including both volunteers and paid
Administrative services provided by an employer to enable its employees to work from home
Port operations
Freight services
A transport, freight or logistics driver
All manufacturing

NOTE - This list is not exhaustive. Please click on the link to see the full list and to interpret it from your perspective. CLICK HERE

To view the Better Boating Victoria update CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE to see the Premier’s joint Commonwealth and State Business Support announcement

LOCKDOWN 6.0 (05/08)

CLICK HERE to see the Table of Restrictions

Some of Victoria's new restrictions that may be most relevant to BIAV members.

Stay home unless -

• Shopping for necessary goods and services

• Caregiving or compassionate reasons

• Authorised work (see some examples below)

• Exercise (up to two hours, with one other person or members of your household) Based on matching lockdowns this will include boating/fishing.

• Receive a COVID-19 vaccination

Work: If you can work from home, you must work from home.

General retail: Closed (open for contactless click and collect only)

Hospitality Open for take-away only

Authorised work -

Vehicle and mechanical repair services;
A ‘click and collect’ service
Emergency services, including both volunteers and paid
Administrative services provided by an employer to enable its employees to work from home
Port operations
Freight services
A transport, freight or logistics driver
All manufacturing
NOTE - This list is not exhaustive. Please click on the link above to see the full list and to interpret it from your perspective.

BUSINESS SUPPORT: Premiers joint Commonwealth & State Business Support announcement CLICK HERE

LOCKDOWN 5 UPDATE (27/7)

Some of Victoria's new restrictions that may be most relevant to BIAV members -

Victoria’s lockdown will officially be lifted from 11.59pm on Tuesday night 27/7.

Victorians able to leave their homes for any reason.
Masks required everywhere indoors and outdoors (except private residences).
Schools reopen on Wednesday.
No visitors to the home for the next fortnight.
Public gatherings allowed with up to 10 people.
Hospitality, retail, beauty, personal care, entertainment venues and community facilities open in line with density limits.
Businesses and venues reopen with capacity and density limits of 1 person per 4sq m.
If you can work from home, you should work from home. Office workers able to return up to 25 per cent or up to 10 people, whichever is greater.
Holiday accommodation can only be booked with your household, intimate partner or single bubble person.

Click Here to see the Government’s Table of Restrictions

LOCKDOWN 5 UPDATE (16/7)

Click Here to see the Government’s Table of Restrictions

In summary, Stay at Home unless:

Engaging in authorised work

— Including General retail: Closed (open for contactless click and collect only)

— Cafes/Restaurants at boat/yacht clubs - open for take-away only

— Vehicle and mechanical repair services

— Port operations; transport, and freight services

— Manufacturing

— Check the link above for other inclusions.

Exercise (up to two hours, with one other person or members of your household, which we understand includes boating and/or fishing)

Shopping for necessary goods and services
Caregiving or compassionate reasons
Receive a vaccination

Based on previous lockdowns we understand boat owners may check on their boat on a mooring or in a marina as part of their allowed exercise, and if beyond 5km, in the case of an urgent or safety related matter.

FURTHER EASING OF COVID RESTRICTIONS
17 June 2021

From 11.59pm Thursday 17 June Victorian Covid restrictions will ease further .

To view the latest Table of Restrictions, Click Here

To view the latest statement from the Acting Premier, Click Here

LOCKDOWN EASED - COMMENCING FRIDAY 11 JUNE
9 June 2021

Some of the Metro factors that may be relevant to BIAV members -

Office capacity increases to 25 per cent or capped at 10 people, whichever is greater. But Acting Premier James Merlino did say however that if you can continue to work from home you should.

All retail can reopen in line with density limits of one person per 4sq m.

Restaurants and cafes can reopen for seated service with up to 100 people per venue and a maximum of 50 inside.

The 10km limit has increased to 25km. Travelling further for work, education, care giving and the vaccine is allowed.

No limit on the time spent outdoors to exercise. (Presume this includes Boating/Fishing).

** This is a quick initial update. More detail may be added later in the day.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
03 June 2021

To see information about the Federal Government’s $500 and $350 individual grants for those workers temporarily affected by not being able to earn, and who have ‘personal liquidity’ of no more than $10k, please Click Here

To see information and links about the State Government’s Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two, with grants of $2,500 and $5,000 for businesses directly impacted by the restrictions please Click Here. Right down the bottom of the page at this link is the Apply Now button. To see the list of included industry codes/types (largely retail, events and hospitality), please Click Here.

LOCKDOWN LATEST - 7 DAY EXTENSION
02 June 2021

No doubt you've heard of the 7-day extension. Not great news at all.
Some things to note are -

There is now a difference between metro and regional. Hospitality and outdoor recreation restrictions have been eased for Regional Victoria, however remain in place for Melbourne.
The five reasons to leave home remain in place for Melbourne, however with a 10km limit. This no longer applies for Regional Victoria.
Retail remains click and collect in Melbourne, and open in Regional Victoria, however with density limits.
Boating and Fishing is outdoor recreation in Regional Victoria and is therefore permitted. As it is in Melbourne, however within 10km, within 2 hrs, with a mask, with immediate family or one friend, and without requiring a closed venue to be opened.
In terms of work, there are minimal changes however this addition may be of consequence..... Services that operate solely outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained at all times is permitted.
As previously shared, Vehicle and Mechanical repair/service is on the permitted list. As is freight/delivery.

For full details of the above points, and to view the latest Table of Restrictions as at 2 June please Click Here

To view the latest statement from the Acting Premier please Click Here Click Here Click Here. Apply Now Click Here Click Here Click Here. Click Here

LOCKDOWN: FURTHER INFO RE BOATING/FISHING
31 May 2021

BIAV understands that activities such as boating and fishing are permitted so long as -

It’s within 5km from your home

2 hours maximum per day
With your household or one other person (as long as neither of you travel more than 5km from your home)
You must wear a mask at all times

In terms of fishing the Government’s website states -

Can I participate in recreational activities like fishing and boating?

Recreational fishing and boating are permitted, as long as it doesn't require use of a facility (the opening of a closed jetty or pier) and within 5km of your home, for up to 2 hours once per day, and with members of your household or one other person.

(This being the case, it is assumed that currently open, and covid-safe public and private facilities, can be utilised to access the water).

COVID UPDATE - 7 DAY CIRCUIT BREAKER ACTION
11.59PM THURSDAY 27 MAY TO 11.59PM THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021

Please see the below important links, as well as further below, extracts from those links. The extracts may help with outlining what work can take place.

7 day Circuit Breaker Summary document to view click here

Acting Premier’s Announcement to view click here

Stay at home unless:

Shopping for necessary goods and services (one person per household, once per day, a support person can accompany if required)

Caregiving or compassionate reasons
Authorised work or permitted education, or work interstate
Exercise (up to two hours, with one other person or members of your household)
Receive a vaccination

Retail

Essential retail: Open, DQ 1 per 4sqm

Other/general retail: Closed (open for contactless click and collect only)

The following businesses can open under circuit breaker restrictions. If their employees are unable to work from home they can leave home to attend work. -

vehicle and mechanical repair services; or
a ‘click and collect’ service

Authorised Workers - Any person who performs work that is essential for the continued operation of:

Retail goods workers supporting the operation of click and collect or click and deliver orders; or
A factory or facility that is not able to be shut down without causing damage or loss to plant and equipment, but only those operations that are necessary in order to prevent that damage or loss; or
Administrative services provided by an employer to enable its employees to work from home; or
Freight services (including postal and courier services); or • a transport, freight or logistics driver; or
All manufacturing; or
Maritime crew.

Easing of Restrictions - Back to a COVIDSafe Summer!

At 11:59pm Friday 26 February, Victoria returned to the previous COVIDSafe Settings that were in place prior to the Black Rock outbreak.

Victorians are now able to host up to 30 people in their home per day and outdoor gatherings can increase to 100.
Meanwhile, public and private sector office workers can return to work at up to 75 percent a day.
Face masks will only be required on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and taxis, in sensitive settings such as aged care facilities – and in some larger retail settings including indoor shopping centres, supermarkets, department stores and indoor markets.
Density limits remain for pubs, restaurants and cafes, beauty services, retail business, gyms, funerals and wedding and nightclubs and community facilities, such as libraries, RSLs and community halls.
For more information on the new COVIDSafe Settings visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria.
For support packages, visit Circuit Breaker Action Business Support Package on the Business Victoria website.

COVIDSafe Summer – restrictions apply from 11:59pm 17 February 2021

From 11:59pm 17 February 2021 Victoria returns to COVIDSafe Summer restrictions – with some revised conditions.

These restrictions are designed to balance allowing Victorians to get back to doing the things they love while also putting in place measures to protect all that Victorians have worked so hard for.

This means that:

There are no restrictions on reasons to leave home.
You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home.
Face masks continue to be mandatory indoors (other than residential homes). This includes workplaces.
Face masks are also mandatory outdoors when you can’t keep 1.5 metres distance from other people (except with people from your own home).
You can have up to 5 visitors to your home per day. There is no limit on the number of households those people come from.
Up to 20 people can meet outdoors in a public place. There is no limit on the number of households those people come from.
No limits on travel to regional Victoria.
No limits on interstate travel (but you need to check the visiting state’s entry conditions).
Schools and education providers are open.
Workers able to return onsite if required. Return to work for up to 50 per cent of office-based workers.
There are still limits on visiting and accessing hospitals and care facilities, but some of the earlier restrictions have been eased.
Hospitality and retail venues can re-open.
- This includes personal services like beauty and hairdressing.
Accommodation providers can also re-open, in line with private gathering requirements. That means a booking can be made by a household, or by five friends.
Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings can occur with no limits on guests or attendees in commercial venues. To ensure people can keep 1.5 metres distance, the venue must apply the two square metre rule. If conducted in a private home, the private gathering limit applies (5 visitors, the celebrant and a photographer are not counted).
Record keeping continues to be an important tool for helping Victoria stay safe and stay open. Businesses that are required to record the details of visitors should use electronic record keeping or QR codes. The Victorian Government has a free QR code service.

COVID UPDATE - CIRCUIT BREAKER ACTION
12/02/21 2:45pm

Today’s announcement by the Premier -

Click here for full details of what is closed / what is open etc.

Exercise -
- Allowed within 5km from home, up to two hours.
- Recreational activities such as boating or fishing are not allowed, as they are not among the four reasons to leave home. Recreational facilities such as boat ramps are closed.
Retail
- People can leave home for necessary shopping once per day, one per household. For essential things.
- Retail Bait/Tackle shops and Boating Retail can offer contactless Click & Collect.
- Essential retail Open. Non-essential retail Closed.
Work in general
- If you can work from home you must
- If you cannot, we are assuming you can go to work if the work is listed as Essential. See the list on the above link.

NSW CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
18/01/2021

Victoria is establishing a permit system for all domestic travel into Victoria.

From 5:59pm on 11 January, you will need to apply for a permit to enter Victoria from anywhere in Australia. Apply for a permit at the Service Victoria website.

The permit system is based on a traffic light system which allows for areas across Australia to be designated as green, orange or red according to their risk. Find more information about red, orange and green permit zones.

The permit system is for both travellers to Victoria and residents of Victoria returning home from interstate travel.

More information -

Victorian Travel Permit System - Current Status

Victorian Travel Permit System - Overview

From 6pm Monday 18 January 2021 -

Victorian Travel Permit System - Current Status

NEW RESTRICTIONS AND BORDER CLOSURE TO NSW
04/01/2021

BIAV members, please see the latest updates from the Victorian Government in regards to restrictions and the border closure to NSW. For all up to date information, visit their website here.

—

From 5pm, 31 December 2020 the following restrictions will be in place in Victoria -

The number of people who can visit a home per day (either at once or across the day) will be reduced to 15 (excluding members of the household and children under 12 months).
Masks will be mandatory indoors. If you are planning to leave your home take a mask and it needs to be worn any time you are inside apart from when you’re eating or drinking.

We all need to be COVID Safe:

Don’t go into the city unless you have a booking.
Wear a mask indoors.
Practice good hand hygiene.
If you are sick, stay at home.

To see all restrictions in Victoria, click here.

NSW BORDER CLOSURE
04/01/2020

From 11.59 pm 1 January 2021, Victoria will close its borders to New South Wales.

Any Victorian currently in the Green Zone will have until 11.59pm on 1 January 2021, to return to Victoria.

If Victorians return from the Green Zone before 12:59am on 1 January 2021, they will need to get tested and self-isolate at home until they get a negative test result.

Any Victorian arriving from the Green Zone after that time and before 11.59pm 1 January 2021 will need to get tested and self-isolate at home for 14 days.

Victorians in the Blue Mountains City Council and Wollongong City Council local government areas must arrive before 11:59pm on 31 December 2020 and self-isolate at home for 14 days.

From 12:59am on 1 January 2021, all existing permits will be revoked. Any Victorian returning after that time and before 11.59pm 1 January 2021 will need to apply for a new green zone permit.

Victorians must not enter from Greater Sydney, Northern Beaches or the Central Coast.

Those living in our border communities will continue to be able to access the ‘border bubble’– using their driver’s license to prove their residential address. More details on these arrangements, and the system for those in other jurisdictions who need to travel through NSW to return to Victoria, will be made available shortly.

Existing provisions for freight, domestic air crews, those exiting mandatory quarantine, medical care and emergency services will remain the same.

Authorised Officers will continue to monitor arrivals at airports and Victoria Police officers will continue to guard Victoria’s borders.

Victorians who have arrived from overseas and have completed their 14 days hotel quarantine with NSW Health will be permitted entry into Victoria. They are not required to undergo 14 days hotel quarantine provided they travel directly to Sydney Airport after their quarantine and wear a mask at all times on their flight and inside both airport terminals. They will be required to provide proof to Authorised Officers of their official hotel quarantine with NSW Health.

Quarantine information for Victorians who have recently returned from New South Wales - for more information on quarantine requirements, visit Quarantine information for Victorians who have recently returned from New South Wales.

COVID-19 UPDATE
23/11/20 9:00am

BIAV members will be aware that yesterday the Premier announced further easing of COVID restrictions and has given Victorians immediate changes and for the Christmas period.

Click here to see the Statement from the Premier
Click here to see the full details of the Last Step

An overview of the announcements -

Current:

Up to 50 people can gather outdoors from any number of households and private gatherings can be up to 15 visitors (both excludes infants under 12 months).
Higher education and training return to campus for students and staff for summer programs.
Hospitality (seated service only):
- Indoors:
  - Venues less than 200sqm of floorspace subject to density quotient of 1 per 2sqm up to a total of 50 patrons.
  - QR codes must be used for venues using the small indoor venue density quotient.
  - Venues 200sqm of floorspace or larger subject to density quotient of 1 per 4sqm up to 150 patrons.
  - No group limit.
- Outdoors:
  - Up to 300 patrons per venue outdoors, subject to density quotient of 1 per 2sqm.
  - Total venue capacity cannot exceed 300.
Accommodation is open. Density quotient applies to communal spaces. Visitors to accommodation capped (at 15 people) as if it were at the home of the person who booked the accommodation.
Events:
- Organisers will also be able to apply to host a public event. Different requirements and rules will need to apply, depending on whether it’s a school fete or a major sporting match.
- All events will be considered on application under the Public Events Framework and there are no pre-defined limits on the nature or size of events.
- Public Events may occur in accordance with the Public Events Framework, for Tier 1 (5000+ attendees) and Tier 2 (500-5000 attendees) events an application and approval process apply.

From November 30:

Workplaces currently working from home to return for up to 25 per cent of their workforce per site. Standard workplace requirements including density limits continue to apply o Businesses with fewer than 40 staff can have 10 staff on-site subject to density quotients. Victorian Public Service will remain under the setting “if you can work from home, you must work from home” for this step.

From December 13:

You can host up to 30 people in your home.

COVID-19 UPDATE
06/11/20 4:00pm

2020 has no doubt been a tough year and there were stages when we wondered if/how the industry would survive. We are pleased now that many of the COVID restrictions have been lifted and business can get back to something like normal.

Demand for boats and boating is at very high levels, so normal business to support this is essential.

The remaining COVID restriction hurting boating is the 25km rule, which we expect to come off on Sunday. We wish all of our members all the best for the remainder of 2020 and congratulate them collectively for their 2020 survival and achievements.

COVID EASING – SOME GOOD NEWS
26/10/20 5:30pm

The Premier’s press conference is just concluding as we ‘go to print’ and what we can confirm –

Good news regarding retail. Preparations for retail re-opening can begin immediately and retail can open up on Wednesday! Or at 11.59pm Tuesday night! All the best to all of our retailing members and good luck with getting those customers through, and products out.
Not so good news regarding the 25km rule. This stays until 8 November. Whilst this is only two-weeks away, for those disadvantaged by this unfair rule, it is no good at all. We will liaise with the Minister and the various departments to see if some fairness can be provided for those that live 26km away from the water.
Cafes and dining for our boat and sailing clubs can resume, subject to the various rules regarding numbers indoor, numbers outdoor, and distancing.
Some competitive sport including sailing will be able to resume. We are seeking details.

EASING RESTRICTIONS AND BIAV 'WISHLIST'
20/10/20 3:00pm

As the COVID case numbers continue to improve, and today (20/10), the Premier hinted at further easing this Sunday, BIAV continues to push for two major things to improve ASAP.

We will advise you as soon as anything is known, however, meanwhile, these two main things are –

The distance limitation, now 25km, continues to be massively problematic for boaters. Many people are unfairly disadvantaged by this and still cannot take part in their exercise. We are urging that this be addressed and that boaters be required to use the nearest ramp/marina to home that is available to them, even if it is beyond 25km. This worked well after the previous lockdown and we have asked that it be re-instated. BIAV is also asking that the 25km measure refers to the distance from the boater’s home to the point of access to the water, i.e. not to include the on-water component.
An exemption for Outdoor, By appointment, One-at-a-time, COVIDsafe boat inspections are sought. There are buyers that have done all of the online related research. There are dealerships that have the stock. They just need a final COVIDsafe inspection. This COVIDsafe activity would involve very limited people movement, will be COVIDsafe and will have a very high reward v risk ratio.

We await government updates on these matters and will keep you posted.

Please also note the latest DHHS advice with regard to exercise, which as you know, covers all forms of boating as well as fishing. Click here to view.

Included at the link is this important wording -

You can now travel up to 25 km from your home or permitted workplace within metropolitan Melbourne. This replaces the 5km rule. Travel to regional Victoria is still only allowed for permitted purposes even if this is within 25 kms. This means you cannot travel into regional Victoria for exercise or recreation.
You can leave home for any period of time to exercise or see friends and family outdoors. This replaces the two hour limit on these activities. There are no limits on the number of times you can leave home.
You can meet in a group of up to ten people from a maximum of two households outdoors in a public place to socialise (children under 12 months of age not included in the limit). An outdoor public place means areas accessible to everyone, including local parks and beaches. This replaces the limit of five people from a maximum of two households.
You can exercise in a group of up to ten people from a maximum of two households outdoors in a public place (personal training is limited to two people plus the trainer). This replaces the limit of five people from a maximum of two households.

RESTRICTIONS AND EASING
09/10/20 1:30pm

BIAV members will be very eager to see a further easing of restrictions. As the October 19 review date looms and the 14-day average that needs to be five or less, is currently 10, we do hope that some balance is provided. Specific to boating scenarios, we are very hopeful that the 5km limit is lifted. This limit makes boating opportunities very exclusive and only for those that live very close to their boat ramp, club or marina. It is not quite good enough.

The other thing from a business perspective that we are working toward is COVIDsafe boat purchase inspections. These, like real estate who have an exemption, can be done outdoors, one on one, by appointment, and COVIDsafe. Members that have other queries, concerns or suggestions should keep them coming to BIAV and we will see what we can do. We’ve made some good progress, and we thank government for this, and we certainly thank them for listening. However there is further to go and we will keep working on it for you.

BOATING & FISHING ALLOWED - BOAT RAMPS/JETTIES ALLOWED
02/10/20 6:00pm

The government has clarified that for Metropolitan Melbourne, boating and fishing are allowed, and boat ramps and other structures such as jetties and marinas can be utilised. Please see this wording on the government’s BBV website.

From 11:59pm on 27 September, metropolitan Melbourne entered the Second Step of its roadmap with some changes to recreational boating and fishing:

Individuals are able to go boating and fishing (powered and unpowered) within 5km of your home and a 2-hour time limit applies.
Everyone must continue to adhere to physical distancing of 1.5m. Group limits apply and wearing a face mask is also required.
Boat ramps and jetties are open.

FURTHER INFO ON THE BETTER BOATING VICTORIA HERE

LINK TO DHHS WEBSITE SPECIFIC TO BOATING AND FISHING AND EASING OF RESTRICTIONS

BOATING ALLOWED IN POWERED AND NON-POWERED VESSELS
30/09/20 12:30pm

As highlighted on Channel 9 News yesterday, on other media platforms, and through social media, the government has given the all-clear for boating. In doing so DHHS has removed the distinction between powered and non-powered. We are very pleased that the government has identified that boating can take place in a very COVIDsafe manner, and indeed that boating is ideally suited as an activity, and as exercise, in terms of social distancing.

This is therefore very good news for boaters and the industry.

It is very important to note that it must be within the persons 5km zone, take less than two hours, be alone or with family (or a max. of five from two households), follow the social distancing requirements including 1.5m, and be COVIDsafe.

There is however still some confusion that we are working through with government and that relates to facilities. We are hoping this will be clarified today and have advised government of how crucial that it is. As soon as more is known we will send a follow-up item. This will relate to the boat ramps, marinas, and other facility access, as this is currently unclear.

LINK TO DHHS WEBSITE SPECIFIC TO BOATING AND FISHING AND EASING OF RESTRICTIONS

MURRAY RIVER AMENDMENT FOR VICTORIAN RESIDENTS
30/09/20 2:00pm

The NSW Government has amended the Public Health (Border Control) Order 2020. The changes mean that all Victorian residents who are not covered by a Victorian Area Direction or a COVID Area of Concern (as specified by the Victorian Chief Health Officer) are able to use the Murray River as long as they do not disembark on the NSW side of the river. This would therefore include most of Regional Victoria but exclude Melbourne.

This amendment allows for Victorian residents, who have not been in a COVID-19 area of concern or subject to a Victoria Area Direction, to enter NSW for the purpose of accessing the Murray River only and not disembark on the NSW side.

Full article here.

FURTHER CLARITY ON EASING OF RESTRICTIONS
28/09/20 4:00pm

Further to yesterday’s announcement, there has been some further clarity provided by government. Some are still being sought.

Servicing - Types Included
Please note this wording as circulated yesterday –

Boat maintenance: marine and specialist mechanics permitted to operate when required for safe operation including scheduled/logbook inspections.

This morning government officials, via a video hook up, confirmed that this extends beyond the reference to mechanics, and indeed covers all boat maintenance type services that provide a service toward safe operation. We’ve asked for the wording to be slightly adjusted so it is even clearer. We do however have confirmation that it covers all servicing and maintenance that impacts the safety and the resulting safe operation. (It will not include cosmetic maintenance that does not relate to safe operation).

Servicing - Beyond 5km
In terms of the 5km factor –

People are expected to have their boats serviced within 5km.
However, for many reasons relating to specialist expertise, or knowledge of the specific make/model/type, this will not be possible.
In that case, the boat can be transported more than the 5km limit. This is the same for cars. It is permitted.
The government’s preference is that they be transported by the service provider, however, that is not mandatory. Just preferred.

Servicing - On Water Testing

If an on-water test relates to servicing, and the on-water test is a requirement of the servicing process, then yes, it would be permitted.
The on-water test would go toward the safety aspect of the service and that would add to the case that yes, it can take place.
It must be with a COVIDsafe plan and permitted workers of course.
The customer cannot attend.

Boating/Fishing
There has been a great deal of conjecture and confusion around this as –

Fishing is allowed – stated by the Premier yesterday.
Use of non-powered vessels is allowed – it already was prior to yesterday for paddle etc.

We are continuing to work with government to understand if this can relate to non-powered and powered vessels, so long as, under the current exercise rules, it is 5km from home and for no longer than two hours.

We have not been able to understand why this distinction has been made, and why there is a reference to non-powered. Nor can we find written confirmation of it. As a result, we have appealed to the Minister for clarity, in the hope that non-powered and powered can be treated the same as we can see no logic to separating them.

We will keep you posted.

EASING OF RESTRICTIONS - INCLUDES SERVICING
27/09/20 4:20pm

BIAV members will be aware that today the Premier made a series of COVID restriction announcements and progress to the Second Step of the Roadmap.

Click here to see the Statement from the Premier
Click here to see the full details of the Metro Melbourne Second Step

BIAV is pleased to advise, that with regard to the Servicing, Safety and Maintenance of vessels, the following wording has been provided –

Boat maintenance: marine and specialist mechanics permitted to operate when required for safe operation including scheduled/logbook inspections.

As you would be aware, BIAV has campaigned for this outcome, and are relieved that this decision has been made. We thank the Minister Melissa Horne for championing this, as well as Gary Gaffney at BBV, and the various DJRP officials that also listened to our safety case and gave support.

BIAV will continue discussions over the next couple of days with the government, clarifying any of the finer points, and also working towards our next objectives in the areas of retail and then boating itself.

Fishing/Boating
Today's announcement also triggers the easing of restriction for recreational boating and fishing activities in metropolitan Melbourne with individuals able to go fishing and undertake boating activities on human-powered crafts only, within 5km of your home and a two-hour time limit applies.

Whilst this is not ideal and does not allow for powerboating, it is a small step in the right direction.

We will work with government to push for a return to all forms of boating, with a possible timeframe for that being the Third Step revised date of 19 October. We will keep you posted.

RETAIL & BOATING COVID UPDATE
23/09/20 2:00pm

As well as working hard to see the return of servicing for boats, engines, and trailers, as detailed in the above item, BIAV also continues its quest to see restrictions eased for boating and retail. In terms of boating, the very minimum boating and fishing should be deemed as exercise.

And that being the case, should at least be allowed for up to two hours, and as close to home as possible (ideally within 5km). With the lowering of recent COVID numbers, we desperately hope that the premier and cabinet see it this way and make this change from the Second Step of the Roadmap, 28 September.

Boats are hard to sell with no touch and feel, so we are urging government to allow appointments only, one at a time, COVIDsafe pre-purchase inspections. Fingers crossed on this one. We are working through some other specific questions for members such as the fitting of engines, tour boat passenger numbers, warehousing, charter fishing permission, and a few others. We will keep you posted on all of these matters as we determinedly strive to survive as an industry in these tough times.

SAFETY CONCERNS BEING IGNORED – CALL TO PREMIER AND PARLIAMENT
21/09/20 9:00am

The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) is calling on the Premier, and notifying the entire Parliament, of a major safety risk that is developing as a result of vessel servicing not currently being permitted.

Despite an overwhelming case and essential need to allow boat servicing to take place, it has fallen on ‘deaf ears’ at the Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) level. BIAV and members are deeply concerned that DHHS, who appear to be making the decision are just not understanding what is at stake, nor the risks involved.

BIAV are now asking that this be addressed by Premier and Cabinet to have this decision reversed, and if not immediately, then certainly for the September 28 Second Step of the COVID recovery Roadmap.

A key message that was delivered to the government last Friday by the BIAV and its members was the imminent serious safety risk this decision presents. BIAV is calling on the Premier, and all members of the Victorian Parliament to consider the potential of this decision in line with potential industrial manslaughter considerations. If in their work, as elected officers, this obvious risk is ignored, and there are fatalities, we will ask them to consider the consequences. As an industry body BIAV clearly communicated to government their concern on potential fatalities if this decision is not overturned.

The BIAV has worked very closely with government throughout the COVID period and has been fanatical in its support of COVIDsafe planning and practices across the industry. In this instance, however, the BIAV is deeply frustrated by the government’s willingness to allow a massive backlog of non-serviced vessels and the associated risk to life. The fact that Victoria has 198,000 registered vessels would indicate that approximately 16,000 need to be serviced per month, to maintain a safe fleet with regular annual servicing. There may already be a scenario where double this number is already backlogged due to the lockdowns so far. Further restrictions of servicing will only add to this number and further escalate the risks. The industry has a capacity issue and the shortage of skilled people to perform this work and catch up on the backlog will exacerbate the problem and escalate the risks.

It is feared that people will be tempted to take their boat and families out on the water once restrictions ease, despite the lack of servicing, and this is a huge risk. As well as disablement likelihood and the associated risk to life, there are many other potential engines, hull, or system faults and failures that could occur if servicing and safety maintenance is not completed. These can range from fire, explosion, gas leak, capsize and sinking and are serious life and death concerns.

Supporting the overwhelming case that this work must be completed is the situation that servicing has taken place for work-in-progress jobs and emergency and essential work vessels during stage 4 lockdown. This precedent indicates that servicing can be done in a COVIDsafe manner and the structure to do so is already in place and underway. Servicing can be supported by a completely contactless drop-off/pickup for those within 5km, or a COVIDsafe delivery system for those outside 5km. Servicing also has a very low worker per square metre factor.

Please direct any media or further inquiries to

Steve Walker CEO 0466 918368 stevew@biavic.com.au
David Meehan President 0437 055546 david.meehan@mercmarine.com

Boating Industry Association Victoria (BIAV)

COVID AND RESTRICTIONS
14/09/2020 12:00pm

BIAV members will be eager for answers and updates in relation to the easing of restrictions and how they relate to the boating industry.

Please be assured we are working closely with the government and are pushing for these outcomes. Our understanding is that Cabinet are meeting today in regards to Regional Victoria, and as early as later today, there could be some announcements made that will impact our regional members.

In terms of metro Melbourne and boating businesses, there has been an indication that Cabinet will be addressing things on Thursday and that we will know more by Friday. Our emphasis, as you know has been around servicing and retail from a business perspective, and more widely, to get boating back on the water.

The Board and staff of BIAV are acutely aware how anxious our members are about this. We will be in daily contact with the government and will advise you as soon as anything is known.

STATE GOVERNMENT FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENTS YESTERDAY
14/09/2020 12:00pm

The Premier yesterday announced $3b of funding and tax relief for businesses.
Click on this Link for Details

There is a third round of the Business Support Grants and this time they are between $10k to $20k depending in your payroll size. Subscribe to the Business Victoria Update newsletter if you’d like to be alerted when applications open.

There are also opportunities across Licensed Hospitality which may help some of our members that are clubs, a voucher program to assist sole traders and small businesses in building their digital capability, a package to help Victorian exporters get their products to market and establish new trade channels, as well as further Waivers and deferrals such as payroll tax deferrals for the full 2020-21 financial year.

AWAITING COVID ANSWERS
09/09/20 4:00pm

BIAV members will be eager to hear more about COVID restrictions and getting back to work. Please be assured that we are in daily contact with government as we try to understand what is allowed and what work can take place. This extends of course to getting boating and fishing back on the water state wide. We are making as strong a case as possible to see progress in these areas.

As soon as any answers are known, particularly in the servicing and retail areas we will let you know straight away. Meanwhile, some links to keep an eye on -

Business Victoria Website | Small Business Victoria Newsletter | DHHS Website

COVID ROADMAP - PREMIER ANNOUNCEMENT
07/09/20 12:00pm

BIAV members will no doubt be across the Premier’s announcement yesterday and may have seen these Roadmap documents.

BIAV shares the total frustration of the many politicians, business leaders and other industry bodies that we have heard from, with regard to the roadmap, and the strain that it will place on the boating and other industries. Not to mention the strain on the community.

We will however continue to work with our Minister Melissa Horne, Better Boating Victoria, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, as well as DHHS to make the best possible interpretation of things. We will learn over the next couple of days what has changed from a business/trading perspective, and what is possible, and update our members as soon as possible.

Victorian Roadmap For Reopening -

STAGE 4 TRANSITION - HIGH HOPES
03/09/20 5:00pm

All BIAV members will be very eager to see what Premier Daniel Andrews announces on Sunday with regard to coming out of COVID stage 4. We are all eager to see COVIDsafe relaxing of business and boating restrictions, and you may agree, that this is a massive under-statement.

BIAV is proactively working with government with regards to this and is aiming to see the best possible COVIDsafe decisions for both business and boating. These direct dealings have been with the Minister Melissa Horne, as well as with senior officials at Better Boating Victoria, DHHS and DJPR. Twenty BIAV members took part in a brief roundtable video meeting yesterday (2/9), along with the Minister and these officials, and we thank them for doing so, along with our President David Meehan, CEO Steve Walker and Advocacy Manager Ben Scullin. A submission has been prepared on your behalf that lays out a sensibly staged plan to maximise what ‘stage’ businesses can move to, under the proposed ‘traffic lights’ system. The submission also calls for a staged, yet immediate return to all Victorian waters for boating, in COVIDsafe ways. An extensive rationale for this has been provided as part of the submission.

We eagerly await these announcements from the Premier and will keep BIAV members updated as soon as anything is known.

SEE COVID-19 UPDATES BEFORE SEPTEMBER