MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper has extended an olive branch to South Australian residents after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews took a swipe at the state for opening its borders to travellers from some states but not others.
The South Australian Government last week eased border restrictions for people entering South Australia from Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.
But visitors from Victoria will have to wait until July 20 before a mandatory two-week quarantine period upon entry to South Australia is lifted.
The move provoked Mr Andrews’ ire, saying his state offered the best experiences in the country anyway.
“I don’t want to be offensive to South Australians, but why would you want to go there?” he asked following the snub.
Victoria has been forced to reimpose some COVID-19-related restrictions and defer others for three weeks after new cases of COVID-19 reached double digits on four consecutive days.
South Australia reported no new and no active cases of the virus across the weekend.
Ms Cupper said that in light of fresh tensions between Victoria and South Australia, Mildura was doing its bit to smooth things over.
She said the Mildura Regional Development’s “Start Here” tourism campaign was reaching out to the region’s “South Australian brothers and sisters” to encourage them to start their holiday in Mildura.
“Not only is Mildura a great spot for a holiday, but we are also perfectly positioned as a pit stop for an angry South Australian mob to refuel and grab a bite to eat on its way to Melbourne,” Ms Cupper said.
She said the promotion was “another stunning tourism campaign” which would undoubtedly assist in the region’s COVID recovery.
“To our South Australian neighbours – please know that you are welcome in our region any day of the week,” Ms Cupper said.
In return, she promised to “take one for the team” and book a week’s holiday in the Barossa.
