Tasmanians looking to shake their cabin fever this June long weekend can breathe a sigh of relief as intrastate travel is permitted again, with the mayors of Break O'Day and Dorset municipalities welcoming news of the return of visitors.
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The June long weekend is usually a busy time for the two municipalities with hundreds flocking to the regions for their shacks, camping, mountain biking, fishing, leisure or hiking desires and it seems this one will be on par.
From 3pm, Friday holiday hotspots such as Binalong Bay, St Helens, Scamander, Bridport, Derby and Tomahawk will once again welcome intrastate visitors.
Break O'Day Council's mayor Mick Tucker said he was over the moon at the news of the early easing of restrictions.
"We're ecstatic," he said.
"We do need to take small cautious steps and this is a very, very good step in the right direction and we're extremely supportive and pleased."
He said as a business owner himself he knew how much visitors meant to the region's tourism and businesses.
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Mr Tucker said the June long weekend always attracted a large number of visitors for the Bay of Fires Winter Art Festival.
"We won't see quite those numbers but because the shack owners and people within Tasmania have all got cabin fever they will be breaking out and we welcome them with open arms," he said.
Dorset Council's mayor Greg Howard also welcomed the news and said the region was expecting large numbers of visitors in the municipality's holiday hot spots.
He said Bridport had been the quietest he had ever seen but expected it would return to a bustling township.
"It's promising news," he said.
"People who haven't been able to visit their shacks in a number of months are busting to get down there to get away, just for a bit of a change of venue and scenery.
"Shops and hospitality and tourism businesses... will receive quite a bit of a boost. They've really been struggling... so I'm sure they will be pleased to get some customers through the door."
Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett said the patience of anglers, boaties and shack owners had paid off, with the new restrictions allowing people to travel outside their municipality.
However he reminded people to respect the communities they were planning on visiting by still observing social distancing rules and sanitising or washing their hands regularly.
"I appreciate that some people have been frustrated by these limitations, but I am also proud that Tasmanians have stuck to the rules," he said.
"This long weekend will also be a fantastic opportunity for Tasmanians to now stay overnight at their shack, holiday home or camping site.
"While many boaties and anglers will be keen to wet a line, it is still vitally important that everyone maintains social distancing and uses common-sense. Please be patient if your preferred boat ramp is packed when you arrive."
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