MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper has welcomed $5000 grants being made immediately available for businesses which will be forced to shut from midnight Wednesday.

However, Ms Cupper has called on both the Victorian and Federal Governments to provide more support to ensure businesses will be able to survive a possible six-week shutdown.

“We saw the first lockdown had a hugely adverse impact on many small businesses, and this second round of Stage 3 restrictions threatens to be the last straw for many of them,” she said.

“It was encouraging to hear Premier Daniel Andrews say on Monday afternoon the $5000 grants would be available from the Victorian Government, which will be payable as soon as possible.

“But it’s clear more support is going to be needed and it is incumbent on both the Victorian and Federal Governments to provide everything these businesses need.’

Under Stage 3 restrictions businesses like pubs, nightclubs, pools, gyms, galleries, beauty and personal services, cinemas and theatres will be forced to close.

Cafes, restaurants and food court eateries will only be able to offer takeaway.

“We have not had a case of COVID-19 for months but are now being forced back into lockdown, even though we’ve shown we’ve been doing the right thing,” Ms Cupper said.

“So it is incumbent on our governments to now do the right thing for our businesses and communities.”

Ms Cupper said there was a lot of anger and anxiety about the return to Stage 3 restrictions and urged those who were struggling to reach out for help.

“Now is the time for us to come together as a community and help each other out,” she said.

“It is going to be a very difficult time for all of us so I would urge anyone who is struggling to reach out for help.”