For those who are able to hit the bush this weekend please remember that Covid-19 restrictions still apply whether you are based regional or metropolitan.

Please ensure you are up to date on rules and regulations on firewood collection and note that Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers will be patrolling public land over the entire long weekend.

The Victorian Government announced the easing of restrictions across metropolitan Melbourne and a further easing of restrictions for regional Victoria from 11:59pm on Thursday 10 June.

The changes include:
• In metropolitan Melbourne, outdoor tourism may take place with a maximum group booking size of 10 people, subject to density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm. Tour transport may not be used.
• In Regional Victoria, the maximum group booking size is 20 people outdoors and 10 people indoors subject to density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm. Tour transport may be used.
• Licenced Tour Operators living in Melbourne may not travel to regional Victoria.
• Masks must be worn indoors except if an exception applies

There may be other directions that apply to your business. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the full details at: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safety-in-nature/covid-19-update for more information on park closures. All park visitors are reminded to practice good hygiene including regularly sanitising their hands and wearing a face mask.
For updated information on the Business Costs Assistance Program.

Further information
coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/
VTIC information hub: https://hub.vtic.com.au/

What are the penalties for not following the restrictions?
Victoria Police can issue on the spot fines of up to $4,957 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses for: 
• Refusing or failing to comply with the emergency directions;  
• Refusing or failing to comply with a public health risk power direction 
• Refusing or failing to comply with a direction by the Chief Health Officer to provide information.
Fines of up to $20,000 for individuals and $100,0000 for businesses are possible through the court system.

Conditions in parks can change quickly. Please always check Parks Victoria’s website www.parks.vic.gov.au and the change of conditions and closures page before visiting parks.