"We are seeing lower case numbers this point in time and it would be really good to see the easing of restrictions," Dr Harrison said.

"Even Ballarat's COVID-19 numbers have come right down ... the level of risk in rural Victoria should be diminishing as well.

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"I would like to see us freeing up the rules a bit so we can start to open up businesses again and open up community activities a bit more as well.

"I think we have had a slightly exaggerated response here because of what has been happening in Melbourne ... I can understand that as well, but we probably need some easing now."

He said Ararat business owners were "very keen" to get back to normal as quickly as possible.

"They have been seriously hit by the COVID-19 crisis," he said.

"We need to try and get back to a situation of normality for them, so our economy can recover."

Premier Daniel Andrews will reveal two roadmaps out of COVID-19 lockdown for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria on Sunday.

Greater Ararat Business Network president Maria Whitford said it was "very exciting" there would be different rules for regional Victoria.

"We certainly think we are at a different stage compared to Melbourne," she said.

"Until we have the details there is not much discussion on reopening. We are just waiting to hear now... "

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Mrs Whitford said Ararat's 'Stronger Together' campaign was sending the right message across the business community.

"We have shopped local, everyone is doing the right thing and we are all trying to keep our businesses afloat," she said.

"We are stronger together in all aspects from health to business. It is going to create a stronger economic town if we stay together.

"We want to work towards a Grampians pop up shop at the end of the year.

"We have started the process of making phone calls and seeing what it might look like and getting interest from different business groups."

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