Ease of restrictions & boost to South Australia's events calendar
South Australia will ease some local COVID restrictions this week – including a change to density limits which will be welcomed by our industry. However, there is a tightening of the border with Brisbane and south-east Queensland, as the state announces it will extend its lockdown.
It follows the news yesterday, of round one recipients of our Regional Event Fund – which is strengthening South Australia's event calendar and delivering more events, more often, right across the state.
Read on for details.
Rodney Harrex
Chief Executive
Ease of local restrictions in South Australia
As of midnight on Wednesday 4 August 2021, new restrictions will come into effect, including:
- Moving back to 50 per cent capacity (1 person per 2 square metres)
- Masks remain in indoor public spaces
- Sport to return – limited spectators
- Home gatherings – remaining at 10 people
- Functions (including weddings and funerals/wakes) are permitted - subject to the 50 per cent density requirements.
Premier Steven Marshall also said the Transition Committee remains very concerned about the rising figures in NSW and Queensland, and is continuing to monitor the borders.
Following increasing case numbers in Queensland, he urged South Australian residents in south-east Queensland and Brisbane to return as soon as possible. They will then need to undergo two weeks home isolation.
For COVID-19 information in SA, refer to covid-19.sa.gov.au.
Boost to SA's events calendar
Regional South Australia will welcome more events more often, with nearly 40 regional events receiving a financial boost to help them attract more visitors and support more regional jobs.
Round one of the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Event Fund will support 37 regional events – including 16 events receiving support through the Fund for the first time, and eight which are entirely new events to SA.
Events to receive grants in round one of the 2021-22 Regional Event Fund include the upcoming Feast Festival in November held at venues across Adelaide, Grapes of Mirth the Festival in the Barossa to be supported through the Fund for the first time, three new events to the Clare Valley, two new events to the Eyre Peninsula, and continued support for popular regional events such as the Adelaide Hills wine festival, Winter Reds.
More events, more often, delivered across all of South Australia – as part of an extra $1 million allocated for regional events by the State Government.
For details and the full list of events getting a boost, see the media release here.
Round two applications are now open and will close on 30 September 2021. Grants are available from $5,000 to over $50,000 under four categories. All regional tourism operators are encouraged to apply at: tourism.sa.gov.au/support/regional-event-fund.
See the full Industry Update – 2 August 2021 here.