LESS than one week out from the launch of an important trial that's meant to replicate business in a vaccinated economy, the state government is yet to reveal the details on how the trials will work and where they will be staged.
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The trials were first mooted back on September 26, when the government said it would work with local councils and industry bodies to help identify 20 suitable businesses and events across six municipalities for the 'important fact-finding' exercises on how the economy will work once the 70 per cent fully vaccinated threshold is reached and restrictions are further eased.
As a regional area with high vaccination rates and low or no COVID-19 cases, Greater Bendigo was chosen to join the Bass Coast, Pyrenees, Warrnambool, Buloke and East Gippsland municipalities as the first invited to participate.
The Bendigo Advertiser understands the City of Greater Bendigo has put forward up to three of its venues for consideration as part of the proposed trials - the Bendigo Art Gallery, Bendigo Visitor Information Centre and Bendigo Heritage Attractions, operators of the Central Deborah Mine and Bendigo Tramways.
In regional cafes and restaurants, the patron cap increases to 30 people for indoor spaces and 100 people for outdoor spaces once Victoria reaches the 70 per cent double dose vaccination mark - on the basis that all patrons and staff are fully vaccinated, meaning participation in the trials could prove an early windfall.
For Bendigo Heritage Attractions, that means up to 30 people on trams instead of 10, making the popular tourist service more viable, and sooner.
Without confirmation of vaccination status, there is no change to existing settings.
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That includes a capacity to implement the measures necessary to verify the vaccination status of patrons, to keep appropriate records, and to provide feedback to the state government.
Bendigo Heritage Attractions chief executive James Reade said his organisation was keen to be considered for involvement in the trial, but was waiting on details to see how the scheme would be implemented.
He said the possibility of opening with more staff and the chance to cater for more customers were among the key reasons for wanting to be part of the trial.
"We would also get to be ahead of the game in how we manage the transitions," Mr Reade said.
"The topic on everyone's lips is what does a vaccinated economy look like."
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He said up to 20 vaccinated economy trials will test systems and support in the fortnight before Victoria is aiming to reach the key 70 per cent full vaccination mark on 26 October, triggering greater freedoms for vaccinated people.
"These trials are an important step as we move towards a vaccinated economy, supporting businesses to open safely and recover strongly and individuals to play their very important part," he said.
The trials are scheduled to start from October 11, and are expected to cover hospitality, hairdressing, beauty services and tourism businesses, real estate and events such as race meetings, community celebrations and concerts - allowing higher patron numbers with all attendees confirmed as being fully vaccinated.
Participating workforces must be 100 per cent vaccinated to take part in the vaccinated economy trial, something Mr Reade said was not a problem for BHA.
"Every business has to adapt," he said.
"We need to give people hope."
A state government spokesperson said more details on the vaccinated economy trials would be announced in coming days.
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