COVID-19 RELEASE - ADDITIONAL UPDATE TO STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS

Statement as at 9 August 2020 

Equestrian Victoria continues to advocate on behalf of our members and provide appropriate advice on a regular basis. We have a further update as to Stage 4 Restrictions as released by DHHS today.

We wish to make it very clear that RECREATIONAL horse riding under Stage 4 restrictions remains a prohibited activity.

However, you CAN continue to care for your horse, including the provision of EXERCISE, under ANIMAL WELFARE GROUNDS, on the property where the horse is kept, unless it is IMPOSSIBLE to do so, but floating of horses to third party locations is prohibited. 

The provision of EXERCISE is for the WELFARE of the horse, and NOT as a recreational activity.

There are also some other important changes to community sport under the latest restrictions, including High Performance and Professional Sport which may apply to many of you who are Equestrian Victoria members. 

COMMUNITY SPORT

Under Stage 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne, all community sport and recreation organisations must close their facilities.

HIGH PERFORMANCE / PROFESSIONAL SPORT

There are updated guidelines for the high performance and professional sport sector - if you operate within this sector, please read this guidance note carefully to understand your responsibilities under the latest restrictions:

• Under Stage 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne, high performance and professional athletes are permitted to train but competition is not allowed.
• Under Stage 3 restrictions in regional Victoria, both training and competition is permitted, where venues and organisations have a compliant risk management plan in place.

For high performance and professional sport, the new Chief Health Officer Directions for those operating under Stage 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne includes:

• advice for athletes to train at home and minimise travel where possible
• new restrictions on contact training
• the requirement to have a COVIDSafe Plan
• the requirement to complete a Permitted Worker Permit for every athlete and essential employee travelling to the worksite.

In order to qualify under high performance exemption, you must be an Equestrian Victoria Member and you need to complete the form, https://www.business.vic.gov.au/disputes-disasters-and-succession-planning/coronavirus-covid-19/permitted-worker-scheme AND email to: [email protected] 

DHHS

DHHS CORONOVIRUS HOTLINE 1800 675 398

RSPCA

SPORTS AND RECREATION VICTORIA – HIGH PERFORMANCE

This is a changing environment across every aspect of our lives, and we thank you for your patience.

Please take care of your family, friends and equines and stay safe.

Matthew Brown

Equestrian Victoria CEO