Concerns raised for south-west people sleeping rough

Acting community development co-ordinator Kelly Moran said while she understood the need to protect community members, she was concerned about members of the community who regularly accessed their services.

She said people who were sleeping rough were unable to have a shower and spend time in a warm space.

"For some visitors this could be the only meal they get for the day and it is really sad that we are unable to provide this service," she said.

Ms Moran said she believed there would be more people seeking assistance from Anglicare after the snap lockdown due to a loss of income.

Meanwhile, a number of south-west residents are concerned the loss of a week's wages will affect their ability to pay rent and bills.

Shaunie O'Connor Grant was all set to start a new job at an employment agency last week.

But her start date was pushed back.

Ms O'Connor Grant said her husband was also unable to work during the lockdown.

"It's unfair that people in regional Victoria are suffering," she said.

Mrs O'Connor Grant said she hoped to be able to access some financial assistance to help make ends meet.

She said the uncertainty about future lockdowns was having an impact on her mental health.

"If other states can manage while still being open, why can't we?"

Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell has again called for a localised approach to COVID outbreak management.

"New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have all managed outbreaks without having to shut down the entire state - the question must be asked, why is Victoria still opting for a whole state lockdown?

"We need to change the way we manage this virus, we need to localise restrictions as much as possible, so they are in place where they are needed," Ms Britnell said.

She said there was proof outbreaks could be managed at a local level.

"Last year we showed how nimble our health services could be - outbreaks in Portland, Warrnambool and Colac were managed at a local level and were kept relatively small and were controlled," Ms Britnell said.

"It seems the Victorian Government has learnt nothing over the past 12 months - we are the only state to have had four lockdowns and the only state that can't manage an outbreak without shutting down the whole state," she said.

Catch up on the headlines of the week with our weekly podcast The Booletin and Beyond released every Sunday:

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.