Member for Mallee Anne Webster said data released by the Federal Department of Health showed 82 per cent of the eligible population in Swan Hill had received at least one dose, while 47 per cent had received both doses.
“Almost 1300 people received their first dose last week in the Swan Hill region, while 850 people received their second dose,” Dr Webster said.
“If this rate continues, Swan Hill Rural City Council should hit 90 per cent first-dose coverage in just over a week.”
Dr Webster said other areas of the Mallee electorate were doing “exceptionally” well in rolling up their sleeves.
“About 77 per cent of the eligible population living in north-west Victoria have had their first dose, while 48 per cent are fully vaccinated,” she said.
In Gannawarra Shire, 83 per cent had received their first dose and half the eligible population – of more than 8000 people – their second.
About 95 per cent of eligible people in the Murray River Council area have had their first jab and 67 per cent their second dose.
Dr Webster said the Mallee was outpacing the state average, which sat at 72.6 per cent for first doses and 44.1 per cent for both doses.
“Based on the current trend, Mallee should hit 80 per cent first-dose coverage within days,” she said.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced his roadmap for delivering the national plan for reopening Victoria, based on statewide levels of vaccination, last week.
“While our vaccine numbers are really promising, I know the Premier’s roadmap was not what we were most hoping for,” Dr Webster said.
“In my view, the roadmap doesn’t go far enough to outline how we will get back to a COVID normal life with minimal restrictions.
“It has left us with more questions, rather than answers. Why are only 10 patrons permitted in a venue whose capacity is 300 proportionate?”
Dr Webster said the Victorian Government’s roadmap did not give business owners the confidence they needed to make decisions for the rest of the year.
“This week we sadly learnt that one of Mildura’s iconic restaurants, The Spanish Grill, will shut up shop,” she said.
“This is not the first and sadly won’t be last of our otherwise successful businesses to close their doors for good.
“The Premier needs to provide hope for our regions, especially as we continue to have no community spread of COVID-19.
“We need certainty and proportionality.”
