Victoria poised to ease intra-state travel bans from November 9

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced yesterday that the travel ban, which has limited travel for around 6.5 million people in greater Melbourne to a 25km radius of the home or workplace and locked off access to regional parts of the state, would lift from 11.59pm on November 8.

However, the decision to lift the 25-kilometre travel limit will depend on how many new COVID-19 cases the state detects between now and November 9, with the virus showing itself to be more dangerous when people are in confined spaces than it is when people are outdoors.

Unfortunately for Victoria’s fishers and boaters, the tight restrictions – increased from a 5.0-kilometre radius last week in recognition that the state was getting on top of a second wave of coronavirus infections – have benefitted few as the start to Melbourne’s traditional snapper season starts with a fizzle rather than a bang.

Some fishers will have not wet a line since Victoria stood alone in classing both fishing and boating as recreational activities, and banning them under what have since evolved to become some of the toughest COVID-19 control measures in the world.

Greater Melbourne’s boat ramps and jetties are currently open, but only to those who live and work within 25km of them.

The Boating Industry Association of Victoria said the planned changes were "good news" for marine industry retailers struggling with extended retail closures, but bad news for those who remain affected by the "unfair" 25km restriction.

"Cafes and dining for our boat and sailing clubs can resume, subject to the various rules regarding numbers indoor, numbers outdoor, and distancing," BIAV said.

It also said some competitive sport including sailing would be able to resume, although it was seeking more details on how this would happen.