MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster says the decision to lock down the Victorian-NSW border has significant impacts on all border towns including Mildura, Robinvale, Swan Hill, Nyah, Murrabit and Koondrook.
Dr Webster said some Mallee bridges had been padlocked, rather than being manned by police or Australian Defence Force personnel.
“This is unacceptable, creating risks and obstacles to everyday life, reducing access to health care and other essential services,” she said.
“Families who live just across the border in NSW rely on Victorian towns for health care, work and education.”
Dr Webster said the bridge between Murrabit and Gonn Crossing was shut on Tuesday without notice, initially padlocked at 4pm and then reopened, only to later be padlocked during the night.
She said this meant locals must either drive the 60km round trip through Barham, or the 100km round trip through Swan Hill.
“Locals have been told that, if required, an ambulance based in Kerang will have a key to unlock the gates, but the residents on the NSW side will not be able to cross the locked bridge — this is unacceptable,” she said.
“One young family has recently experienced a health crisis with a child, which required them to drive in haste to the hospital via Murrabit bridge, and if this crisis reoccurs they would not be able to get to the hospital in time.”
Dr Webster said the Tooleybuc bridge had also been closed, affecting businesses in Tooleybuc and residents both sides of the river and causing significant interruptions to freight traffic across this bridge.
“I have been speaking directly with the Prime Minister’s office to work towards a solution to have these bridges opened back up as soon as possible,” she said.
“I want to thank those who have contacted my office regarding this significant issue and have displayed great concern for their communities.”
