Lives and livelihoods: pandemic’s impact

Concerns about the economic impact of the pandemic to local businesses, and the effectiveness of the Lang Lang vehicle checkpoint, were among the questions posed in a live online chat with Bass Coast Shire and Bass Coast Health last week.

About 100 questions were put to shire CEO Ali Wastie and Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child via Facebook, underscoring concerns and confusion about COVID-19 and its spread in the community.

Judi Robinson commented her daughter “was disgusted when she came through the check point at Lang Lang” last week.

“She was in line and they waved her through with about 30 other cars without checking anyone, why are they allowing this?” Judi asked.

Ms Wastie said she would raise the issue with Victoria Police.

Merlyn Cantwell reiterated the concern, highlighting workers travelling here from Melbourne, to which Ms Child responded that government restrictions “ensure safety for people who are travelling”.

“It's not about people travelling, it's about them being screened and taking all precautions. It's about everyone doing the right thing,” Ms Child said.

Louise Cropley asked why the island wasn’t being closed “to all but residents, food delivery and essential services”.
“Protecting a community of 11,000+ would be much easier if it were to close,” Louise said. “Is it under consideration? 

Ms Child responded any closure would stop essential services, “so closing the bridge isn't the answer”. “Everyone on the island and those visiting the island doing the right thing is the answer,” Ms Child said.

“There are already active cases on the island. Physical distance, wear a mask and wash your hands and stay home if you can.”

Other respondents asked why official data on active Coronavirus cases were appearing by shire, rather than town, or postcode.

“People should stop focusing on local government data,” Ms Child said.

“The number of active cases isn't important, we should all assume that every person, including ourselves, could be active.”

There were several questions about whether holiday homeowners could visit their second home, with Ms Wastie responding only for essential maintenance, “however you aren't able to stay”.

Economic hit

Robert Langford asked Ms Wastie to explain “why at the start of the biggest contraction in the economy in 100 years the council are increasing rates”, adding increased shire staff salaries in the draft 2020/21 budget and deflation were exacerbating the pain.

Ms Wastie responded the draft budget would be considered at the August council meeting.

On the Advertiser’s Facebook page Robert asked why Bass Coast was shutdown with few cases despite the “sheer economic and generational damage”.

“This treatment of rural Victoria is not proportional to the risk and the cost is going to be horrendous,” he said.

Robert was critical of the Advertiser for not doing more to support businesses and ratepayers, to which one respondent suggested he should “be driving any campaign and calling on support”, with the local papers’ role to give voice to community concerns.

Others responded it was impractical for different lockdown rules to be applied to different areas.

“We are all Victorians and all need to do what's necessary to fight this bloody disease,” said Jay Long.

Bruce Adkins responded Bass Coast was in stage three shutdown “like everyone else to minimise contact with others”.

“Have a good look around and there are plenty of escapees from stage four areas that get through on a loophole,” Bruce said.

“This way we are still at risk but just less of a risk. If it gets away in regional Victoria as it has done in the metro area we will face stage four and greater lockdown.”

Lorraine Ingbritsen added “we may not like it, but this is it”.

“The sooner we all buckle down and do the right thing, the sooner we are back to normal,” Lorraine said.

One respondent asked Ms Wastie why community members on the shire’s COVID-19 grants committee were also recipients of grants.

Ms Wastie said correct procedures and protocols were followed.

“In a small community like Bass Coast, it's inevitable that the community and business leaders with the expertise to help this program could be involved,” Ms Wastie said.

“The likelihood of this was known when putting the program together and their involvement was removed when any conflict of interest was declared.”

Anyone experiencing financial hardship or payment concerns should contact the shire’s revenue team – 1300 226 278; answers to pandemic questions can be found at the DHHS website or the Coronavirus hotline (1800 675 398).