BASED on the current rate of COVID-19 vaccination in North West Victoria, our region will have 80 per cent of its population over the age of 16 vaccinated within the next 73 days.

Following these projections, North West Victoria can expect to hit the milestone on Saturday, November 6.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said it’s great to have a light at the end of the tunnel.

“These figures are based on the rate of vaccination in the last week, and there’s no reason why we can’t reach this target sooner,” Ms Cupper said.

“There’s been some really promising developments recently with regards to vaccine eligibility and availability locally, so I’m looking forward to us meeting and exceeding these targets.”

North West Victoria’s rate of first and second dose vaccination is tracking ahead of the State average.

At this stage, Victoria is projected to reach its 80 per cent vaccination target by November 16.

Ms Cupper said there’s some significant milestones for our region approaching in September and October.

“In North West Victoria, 70 per cent of our population aged over 16 will have had at least one dose of vaccine by September 25,” she said.

“Meantime 60 per cent of us will be fully vaccinated by October 6, and 70 per cent will be by October 21.”

Modelling by the Doherty Institute suggests that once the adult vaccination rate reaches 70 per cent, we’ll be afforded more freedoms, and lockdowns will be less likely.

The Institute has stated that there’ll be less transmission of COVID-19, fewer people with severe illness, and fewer hospitalisations and deaths.

Ms Cupper is hoping the community look at these dates and consider them a benchmark, not a barrier.

“Whatever your motivation is, use that, consider a vaccination and do your bit to help us get to 80 per cent,” she said.

** It’s 73 days to 80 per cent vaccination as of Wednesday, August 25.