Today’s announcement from the NSW Government that it will ease restrictions for border communities on the Murray River has sparked confusion and disappointment from some Sunraysia tourist operators.
The decision overnight by NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard to free up access to the mighty Murray River for Victorians living within the 50km ‘border bubble’ was initially being hailed as a big win for locals.
From today, border residents will still need to apply for an online permit to cross into NSW – but they will not need to provide a specific reason.
However, this new rule will not be extended to those outside the 50km bubble, standing in the way of visitors to Mildura from other parts of regional Victoria, where travel is allowed from today.
It means commercial tourist operators like Mildura Paddle Steamers — which operates the PS Melbourne and PS Rothbury — are turning away bookings this morning from locals who want to bring visitors with them on a cruise on the Murray River.
“We’ve had about 10 calls from locals in the past two hours, and we’ve had to unfortunately point out that, because of the bubble restrictions, those who live outside the 50km zone can’t come on board with them,” the company’s marketing manager, Ashton Kreuzer, said.
“So, this announcement today has been a good win for locals, but for broader tourism, it’s not that good for us.
“The governments are not taking into account the variables for operators like us on the Murray River.
“It’s alright for locals with tinnies and houseboats, but we need the full restrictions to be lifted.”
