People are entering Murrindindi and Mans-field Shires from Melbourne without undergoing COVID-19 checks, Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish says.

“I have had many calls from locals concerned about the ease in which people can enter the non-lock down shires of Mansfield and Murrindindi,” Ms McLeish said.

“It is easy to travel into country Victoria either avoiding or passing through checkpoints. Public transport is also not checked.

“The current situation allows people from Melbourne to catch V-Line buses to Yea, Mansfield and Eildon, without being questioned or temperature checked.

“There are no checks on the V/Line trains and buses for people boarding at Southern Cross Station heading to Seymour and Benalla and connecting into Murrindindi or Mansfield Shire.”

“This is distressing for locals and businesses as there is no monitoring of people coming and going from restricted areas into non-restricted areas.”

“There was a dreadful event where an affected Melbourne woman breached lockdown rules, travelling to East Gippsland. Her actions forced the shutdown of several local businesses.

“This is an example of why action needs to be taken to better protect country communities.

“Daniel Andrews is failing country Victoria,” Ms McLeish said.

Face masks on V-Line buses and trains need to be mandatory,” she said.