ITourism Geelong & The Bellarine will be updating this page regularly with information provided by Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Department of Health, Tourism Australia, Victorian Tourism Industry Council VTIC and other government announcements as we receive them.

WHAT WE’RE doing

As a team, we’re ensuring work progresses on all of our important projects. As circumstances change, we’re adjusting timelines and plans to ensure that we’re fully prepared for not only the current situation, but the future too.

We’re actively monitoring and advocating on behalf of the tourism industry for our region and will provide all the relevant support and advice right here. Or just give us a call.

Our Team

In line with the City of Greater Geelong directions, many of our team will be working remotely. Team Tourism is available should you have any questions or need additional help – these arrangements will remain in place until further advice.

info@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au
03 5223 2588
Monday – Friday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine

Our Approach to Visitor Servicing (re-opening on Friday 17 February as per the below times, after 5-Day Circuit Breaker) 

The Geelong Visitor Information Centre at the Wool Museum will be open Monday to Sunday – 10am-3pm. 

Geelong Waterfront Visitor Information Booth (The Carousel) will be open Monday to Sunday – 10.30am – 4.30pm. 

Other centres are not currently staffed by volunteers, however brochures are readily available during business hours. Outside of these hours or for more information, travellers can reach our team from 9am – 5pm, 7 days per week via 1800 755 611 or vic@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au

COVID SAFE SUMMER – STAY SAFE, STAY OPEN – effective  11:59pm,  Wednesday  17  February 

After the 5-Day Circuit Breaker, we are reverting back to the COVIDSafe Summer plan. 

The information below is in effect as of Wednesday 17 February 2021. 

Face masks must be carried at all times. Mandatory when inside (except in a residential home) and outdoors when cannot maintain 1.5m physical distancing.

Physical distancing (1.5m) and careful hygiene measures remain crucial for all Victorians.

Record keeping continues to be an important tool for helping Victoria to stay safe and stay open. Businesses must record the details of all visitors – customers, suppliers, etc. – and should use the Victorian Government’s free QR code service to do so. Indoor venues not using electronic record keeping, a density quotient of 1 per 4 sqm applies.

Work: Workers may attend onsite as required. On-site office work capped at no more than 50%  of a workforce on-site.

Public gatherings: Up to 20 people can gather outdoors from any number of households.

Visitors to the home: Up to 5 visitors can visit a home in a day.

It is mandatory for every Victorian business with on-site operations to have a COVIDSafe Plan. Random spot checks are occurring to ensure businesses are meeting these obligations.

If you suspect you may have COVID-19 or require more guidance call the dedicated hotline – open 24 hours, 7 days 1800 675 398

See full list of restriction changes here. 

Statewide Restrictions

Current Step: COVIDSafe Summer (Updated 17 February, 11:59pm)

The Industry Guidelines include a lot of useful information on how to setup your workplace, key considerations for employers and more detail on patron numbers and protection measures.

Hospitality

• Open with COVIDSafe requirements.
• A hospitality venue can host up to 25 patrons before density quotients apply.
• Density quotient of 1 patron per 2sqm if using electronic record keeping, otherwise 1 per 4sqm applies.
• No group limits.
• No enforced time limit.

Accommodation

• Open with COVIDSafe requirements.
• Private gathering limits apply within accommodation venues –   The person or household booking the accommodation can have up to 5 visitors.
• Density quotient of 1 patron per 2sqm in communal spaces, if using electronic record keeping, otherwise 1 per 4sqm applies.

Seated entertainment venues (indoors and outdoors)

• Open with COVIDSafe requirements.
• Open, for indoor spaces at 50% of seated capacity up to 300 patrons per space.
• Over 300 patrons must operate under the Public Events Framework.
• Density quotient of 1 per 2sqm in foyers, bars, bathrooms etc when using electronic record keeping.

Outdoor Attractions and Experiences

• Open with COVIDSafe requirements.
• Operating at 75% fixed seated capacity up to 1000 patrons, no density quotient in seated areas.
• Density quotient of 1 per 2sqm in other areas and non-seated venues if using electronic record keeping, otherwise 1 per 4spm applies.
• Venues with capacity over 500 must publish COVIDSafe Plan.
• Events are subject to the Public Events Framework.

Tours and Transport

• Open with COVIDSafe requirements.
• Masks must be worn when transporting patrons.
• Density quotient of 1 per 2sqm in other areas and non-seated venues if using electronic record keeping, otherwise 1 per 4spm applies.

If you suspect you may have COVID-19 or require more guidance call the dedicated hotline – open 24 hours, 7 days 1800 675 398

Government Support Available

LOCAL

City of Greater Geelong council has released a financial hardship policy supporting their existing business support package. This policy gives businesses and residents who pay rates, rent, fees and/or charges to the City the ability to defer payments for a mutually agreed period and create payment plans to suit individual circumstances. Read more about all the policy updates here.

The Business Support Package includes a program of expert professional advice in human resources, financial management and digital marketing, as well as business mentoring for operators within the region via Geelong Business Support. If you need help navigating these options, the Geelong business concierge service is available to help on 5272 5272. This Taking Care of Business fact sheet outlines the support that is available and to who. 

Golden Plains Shire has announced a range of Business Support measures to help businesses within the region.
Find out more details, and apply for any relevant packages here.

STATE

The Victorian Government has further extended the Business Support Fund, with a range of support initiatives aimed at the industries most impacted by the extended lockdown. Many of these programs are finalising details, and applications will be open soon.

• companies with a payroll of less than $650,000 will be eligible to receive a $10,000 grant;
• companies with a payroll between $650,000 and $3 million, a grant of $15,000 will be made available; and
• companies with a payroll between $3 million and $10 million will be eligible for a grant of $20,000.

• venues with licenses allowing 1-20 patrons will be eligible for grants of $10,000;
• venues with patron caps of between 21 and 100 are eligible for $15,000
• venues with patron caps of greater than 100 have access to grants of $25,000.

Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package: 

A $290 million package was released today that will focus on outdoor dining and entertainment, including specific support for sole traders in the tourism industry.
The $87.5 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package includes direct business support as well as opportunities for local government to access funds that will help them facilitate hospitality in outdoor environments.

More detail will be available soon on the Business Victoria website (and we’ll let our members know as soon as it is announced).

Looking for forms or application requirements? The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has compiled a range of official paperwork for download – relating to Jobkeeper, redundancy, working from home and updated awards. They’re also waiving fees for new members (some major savings)!

FEDERAL

The Australian Government has announced an Economic Response to the coronavirus. Information on financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support can be found on business.gov.au or via the hotline on 13 22 15.

There is also financial support for businesses from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and can be found here. 

The JobKeeper program has been adjusted and extended for Victoria, if you’re already in the system simply continue to follow the same nomination process via that ATO website. For new applications – you’ll need to make sure you have your business linked to your MyGovID account, and submit the forms for each employee you intend to claim the subsidy for. Get started here.

• Here is a factsheet for Employees.
• Here is a factsheet for Employers.
• Answers to frequently asked questions are available here.

official announcements

Your one stop shop for all the latest announcements and advice from Government and official bodies.