Victorian opposition MPs call for early opening of gyms

October 13, 2021

Fitness / Government / Safety /

Opposition politicians in Victoria are calling for an early opening for the state’s gyms and fitness facilities, advising that they are essential to Victorians’ physical and mental health.

With the Victorian Government this week advising that crowds will be able to attend Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival and live music events before gyms can reopen, Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Steph Ryan have backed fitness industry operators concerns that through Victoria’s six devastating lockdowns, gyms have been subjected to additional restrictions more than other businesses and forced to stay in lockdown for longer.

Outline the Under the Victorian Liberal Nationals’ plan, all Victorian gyms will be allowed to reopen indoor facilities under a 1 person per 4 square metre rule and conduct group classes of up to 20 people.

These limits will be applied once Victoria reaches the key National Cabinet 70% vaccination threshold and mirror arrangements currently in operation in NSW.

By contrast, under the Victorian Government’s current roadmap, gyms will be restricted to outdoor only operations at this vaccination level.

Advising of the importance of physical activity to wellbeing and mental health, and that gyms across Victoria must not be unfairly held back yet again, Guy stated “our common-sense plan will get gyms safely open sooner so we can start to rebuild our physical and mental health.

“Melburnians have been locked down for longer than anyone in the world. We need a new plan to reopen gyms and get active again.

“Safely reopening gyms will bring back thousands of jobs and support Victoria’s recovery out of COVID-19.”

Ryan added “as we reopen, recover and rebuild, a crucial part of restoring Victorians’ physical and mental health will be getting back into our normal exercise routine.

“Adopting sensible, safe density limits will mean gyms, Pilates and yoga studios and dance classes can restart sooner, creating jobs and supporting the revival of an industry on its knees.”

13th October 2021 - Australian Fitness Network welcomed to Friends of FITREC community

11th October 2021 - Victoria Government announces reopening plan with crowds to attend Melbourne Cup and concerts at the Sidney Myer Music bowl

9th October 2021 - Confusion over NSW Government’s reopening vaccination rulings for gyms and fitness centres

7th October 2021 - Exerp explains inclusion of government mandates in fitness clubs’ reopening processes

6th October 2021 - VIC Active takes political sides in urging fitness sector to back state opposition

1st October 2021 - Victorian Premier announces COVID vaccines will be mandatory for all essential workers in the state

30th September 2021 - FITREC gives fitness professionals option to show that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19

14th September 2021 - Fitness Australia’s Barrie Elvish ‘perplexed’ by ongoing restrictions on operation of exercise facilities in regional Victoria

12th September 2021 - How confident can fitness businesses be in AI predictions?

8th September 2021 - Fitness Australia survey reveals NSW members against vaccine passports and staff vaccinations

2nd September 2021 - Victorian Government to impose stricter rules for unvaccinated athletes at 2022 Australian Open

2nd September 2021 - VIC Active’s Tim Schleiger calls on Victoria’s AFL clubs and players to make use of the state’s gyms

24th August 2021 - Genesis Health and Fitness partners with industry influencer Mel Tempest

22nd July 2021 - Call for stronger advocacy and support for fitness operators in regional Victoria

9th June 2021 - Fitness Australia and Vic Active demand exercise facilities be allowed to open in regional Victoria

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.