THE COVID-19 situation in Victoria has reached a critical point with the state now virtually isolated from the rest of the country.
The NSW decision to close its borders with Victoria will have a massive impact on families and businesses in Victorian border communities.
This closure is a dramatic and unprecedented move, but Daniel Andrews can’t tell us anything about what it means for us, despite being in the meeting with the Prime Minister and NSW Premier.
Victoria is now the pariah state of the nation.
Our communities and local economies have already been smashed by Victoria’s COVID-19 shutdowns.
We are all prepared to do our bit to flatten the curve and save lives, but for us to be dragged into Melbourne’s mess is a bitter blow to people in Mildura and also those across the river who see Mildura as their regional hub.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed Victorians would be required to apply for a special exemption permit via Service NSW, but the eligibility criteria was not released when the need for exemptions was made public.
NSW Police have confirmed aerial surveillance of the border and that road crossing points will be manned to enforce the border closure.
Ms Berejiklian also indicated there would be significant disruptions to border travel over the initial 72 hours as the details were worked out.
Our communities in northern Victoria shouldn’t be forced to suffer because the Andrews Labor Government has lost control of its virus management in Melbourne.
Peter Walsh is the Victorian Nationals leader
