Lockdown across Victoria and what it means for our industry

As we're sure the majority of you will by now be aware, on the advice of public health experts, the whole of Victoria will move to circuit-breaker action from 11:59pm tonight until 11:59pm on Wednesday, 17 February. This is after five new cases being identified in the past 24 hours. 

As with the previous Stage 4 restrictions, that means there will be four reasons to leave your home:

- shopping for the things you need
- care and caregiving,
- exercise
- and work, if it is essential. 

Sadly, as with Stage 4 restrictions, all non-essential retail will close, including retail garden centres and nursery's. After attending online meetings today with Agriculture Victoria and Small Business Recovery, the clear message is to "provide a common sense approach at all times". We believe you are still allowed to attend your premises to conduct building maintenance and plant care. We can confirm that retail garden centres and nurseries are able to operate through delivery or contactless click and collect, only
 
We have received confirmation that our allied traders and growers can continue to operate in a COVID-Safe fashion. There is no need for Worker Permits at this stage.  

Face masks will need to be worn indoors and outdoors, whenever you leave home.

Find out more

We will continue to keep you updated with all the relevant updates that affect our industry.

Our thoughts are with all our members; be safe, do the right thing and we hope that this fast and decisive response will have the desired outcomes. 

Please do call me (0417 337 349), or the office (03 9576 0599 ), if you have any immediate concerns. 

Craig Taberner, CEO Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria.