A BORDER bubble for the Albury-Wodonga region could be used as a test case for how to better manage border zones during the coronavirus crisis, two MPs argue.
The Liberal members for the neighbouring state electorates of Albury and Benambra have written to the premiers of New South Wales and Victoria outlining their proposal, which also had the support of five mayors and other prominent figures.
It would involve effectively putting a “ring” around those two electorates.
Asked about the idea on Monday, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she would turn to the health advice, before praising Albury MP Justin Clancy for his advocacy.
Ms Berejiklian said she would look at opportunities to ease the pressure in border communities, “especially in Albury”.
“If there are safe ways in which we can do things, of course we will, but I will take the health advice on that,” she said.
“If there’s a safer way to give people more freedom, we will do that.”
The letter was co-signed by Benambra MP Bill Tilley.
A separate letter by three border MPs, arguing for an expanded border zone spanning the entire border, was sent to Prime Minister Scott Morrison three weeks ago.
That letter was sent by Member for Mildura Ali Cupper, Member for Murray Helen Dalton and Member for Northern Victoria Tania Maxwell.
Ms Berejiklian said she was still worried there could be unknown transmission sources in regional Victoria.
“I know our border communities are suffering but please know that I am in contact with the Victorian Premier, he raised a few issues with me, as did the Prime Minister, and we’re working through those issues.
“But I would rather have the blame for being too harsh than too soft.
“The last thing we want is for the disease to get into regional New South Wales — that won’t help anybody.”
