Dear members

The Premier has today delayed any further announcements on the easing of restrictions in Metropolitan Melbourne.  We know this will frustrate many of our members.

There is better news in Regional Victoria where restrictions in Greater Shepparton will come into line with the rest of regional Victoria from 11:59 tonight. 

The link to the State Government update can be found here.

Metropolitan Melbourne

The Premier advised that, due to the new cluster in Metropolitan Melbourne, he was not able to make any announcements today. He referred to it as a “cautious pause”.  The Premier confirmed that there may be more news in a couple of days – perhaps Tuesday - when testing results from the northern suburbs outbreak are available, which may shed further light on the problem.

I know that many of you will be very disappointed, and especially those of you who are still unable to work due to the restrictions on occupied premises.  I also know that many of you continue to experience financial and emotional strain for every day that this lockdown is in effect.

Please be assured that, in the lead up to the Premier’s announcements next week, Master Builders Victoria will continue to advocate forcefully to strike the important balance between virus control and everyone in Metropolitan Melbourne getting back to work.

Once again, we have advised the Premier that our industry doesn’t need time to plan or scale up, we’re ready to go to 100% now and our track record proves that. 

Regional Victoria

It’s better news for members in regional Victoria, as there will be further easing of industry, community and social restrictions from 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October. It also brings Shepparton and the surrounding region into line with the rest of regional Victoria. 

Away from our industry there will be changes to sport and recreation, pools, hospitality, childcare, study, tourism, funerals and religious gatherings.

The full list of changes can be read here.

For those members who may be struggling, please remember that you are not alone. Our team will be available to take your calls on Monday and provide assistance - please call (03) 9411 4555 or email [email protected].

We also have several resources available for those that are finding it tough. We urge you to use the links below if you need further help:

• Incolink
• Bluehats
• Beyond Blue

Please stay well and safe – and I look forward to bringing our Metropolitan Melbourne-based members better news early next week.

Best wishes.

Rebecca

Media statement

“Like many other industries, we are naturally disappointed by the re-opening “pause” announced by the Premier today.

Many of our members that have projects in occupied premises, and those struggling in small scale construction with the 5-worker limit, are continuing to experience huge financial and emotional strain for every day that this lockdown is in effect.  This is especially difficult as these businesses were not eligible for any State Government business support grants.

We have advised the State Government that our industry in Metropolitan Melbourne doesn’t need time to plan or scale up, we’re ready to go to 100% now and our track record proves that.

In the lead up to the next announcement, Master Builders Victoria will continue to advocate forcefully to strike the important balance between virus control and everyone getting back to COVIDSafe work.”