WEDNESDAY couldn't come quick enough for regional communities as Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to make an announcement regarding restrictions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Businesses are hurting - many have expressed their concerns if the lockdown went for longer.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Murray Emerson said he didn't believe regional Victorian should have been placed into lockdown.
"But that is a decision for the Premier and he has made that decision and we have to abide by the rules," he said.
"I feel because there hasn't been any COVID cases in rural Victoria for who knows how long.
"I think it is a little bit unfair that everyone had to cop the shutdown."
ZOO OWNERS 'FUMING': Another Victorian lockdown an 'absolute disaster' for Halls Gap tourism
Cr Emerson said as a Mayor in the region, there are numerous opportunities to speak to state and federal colleagues and take whatever issues are impacting the community.
"I'm sure we have already made it clear to the State Government that we do not believe the rural parts of Victoria should be included in the lockdown at this stage," he said.
"We are hearing the same things, and in a lot of instances we are hearing it may be the end for a lot of businesses and we think that is sad and we sympathises with those businesses.
"We will be reaching out to our business communities to see what they might want from council and we will be putting a process in place to help our businesses.
The last active case in the Northern Grampians Shire local goverment area was August 16, 2020.
On Tuesday Premier Daniel Andrews said Victoria was 'well-placed' for changes to stage four restrictions on Wednesday night but couldn't confirm further details.
Businesses were thrown into turmoil after the announcement of the snap lock down - businesses including florists were unsure of the guidelines which were implemented before their busiest weekend of the year.
'Devastated' business owners are awaiting to hear of their fate on Wednesday but it's all come a bit too late for some.
The cancellation of the Great Western Rodeo at Easter and the Grampians Grape Escape will come at a huge cost to the region.
It's not just businesses who will be waiting to see what the outcome of the restrictions could mean.
Sporting associations and clubs were left scrambling wondering what their summer sport fixture could look like for the rest of the season.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the region, sign up here.