States agree to border deal

VICTORIAN and South Australian governments have announced a partnership between the states with the aim of dealing with challenges border communities face.

The three-year memorandum of understanding seeks to make it easier to develop common approaches between the neighbouring states.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said there was a need to lessen the burden border residents can encounter.

“I welcome this important agreement between our respective cross border commissioners,” he said.

“Together will provide an important resource for businesses and communities that live near or frequently travel across the border.

“I’ve long maintained our regional border communities must be listened and responded to regarding their unique circumstances.

“This MoU lays the groundwork for this to occur in a more coordinated and efficient way.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the agreement will lead to meaningful benefits for those who live on or near the border.

“This new partnership between Victoria and South Australia will make a real difference for border communities,” she said.

“This will create more jobs, strengthen health services, improve access to essential services and deliver better outcomes for busy families across the region.”

The partnership announcement comes as Victorian, South Australian and New South Wales cross border commissioners met on Wednesday at Renmark.

Victoria’s cross border commissioner Brett Davis said the recent MoU will hopefully shine a light on the obstacles that some people and businesses can face.

“Supporting our border communities and industries means helping governments understand the unique challenges and opportunities within border towns,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the South Australian Cross Border Commissioner to help progress the needs of our local border regions and communities.”

The memorandum of understanding covers issues like health, policing and emergency management and education.