New South Wales set to extend border bubble to 50km

NEW South Wales border restrictions will be relaxed over the next 10 days with the NSW Government looking to extend its border zone back to the original 50km either side.

At present Victorian border residents with permits to enter NSW must stay within a 2.5km zone, but Deputy Premier John Barilaro revealed that would be extended to 50km, with a 100km exemption for agricultural workers.

Victorians who live in border communities are eligible to get a permit to enter NSW for work, education, medical care and supplies or to provide or receive care.

Mr Barilaro said there would be “a couple of additional adjustments” to give more freedom to residents both sides of the border.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said the NSW announcement would be a welcome relief for her electorate.

“It has been a tireless effort since NSW announced its border closures to get concessions for our region, which included access to the Sturt Highway for commuters from Mildura to Robinvale; access for seasonal workers to NSW farms and fair and equitable border zones,” she said.

“Again, this shows the consultation should have been done before restrictions were put in place, not a running battle with community leaders, industry representatives and residents of border communities.”

Ms Cupper also welcomed Tuesday’s announcement of the loosening of restrictions for cross-border residents by the South Australian Government.

“The restrictions introduced on Friday went too far and caused far more harm – in terms of anxiety, stress and unbelievable upheaval for people in border communities – for no gain,” she said.

“There was no need to go to the tighter controls, so while I commend the SA Government on dialling back, it shows the ad hoc approach state governments have adopted towards border closures can’t continue.

“There have been so many stories of people since Friday being denied access to South Australia on health reasons, compassionate reasons, for employment and education reasons. It just isn’t good enough.”