The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to enable around the clock delivery of food and other essential goods in response to the coronavirus.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne has approved new planning rules that exempt essential businesses from existing noise restrictions – allowing 24-hour dispatch and delivery during the current State of Emergency and for three months after.

The exemption applies to the dispatch and delivery of goods including food, drink, groceries, medicine and cleaning and personal protection products.

This will enable supermarkets, hospitals, pharmacies and other essential businesses to meet the significant demand they are currently facing, and ensure Victorians can get the goods they need.

Warehouses, factories and farms are also covered by the exemption, enabling them to also dispatch and deliver specified goods around the clock.

This supports the common-sense steps taken by many councils to enable delivery of food and other essential goods outside normal business hours.