THURSDAY’s announcement by the NSW Government that it will ease restrictions for border communities on the Murray River has sparked confusion and disappointment from some Sunraysia tourist operators.
The decision by NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard to free up access to the mighty Murray River for Victorians living within the 50km “border bubble” was initially hailed as a big win for locals.
Border residents will still need to apply for an online permit to cross into NSW, but will not need to provide a specific reason.
However, this new rule will not extend beyond the 50km bubble, standing in the way of visitors to Mildura from other parts of regional Victoria, where travel is now allowed.
It means commercial tourist operators like Mildura Paddle Steamers – which operates the PS Melbourne and PS Rothbury – were forced to turn away bookings on Thursday morning from local residents who wanted to bring visitors with them on a river cruise.
“We’ve had about 10 calls from locals in the past two hours, and we’ve had to unfortunately point out that, because of the bubble restrictions, those who live outside the 50km zone can’t come on board with them,” company marketing manager Ashton Kreuzer said.
“So, this announcement … has been a good win for locals, but for broader tourism, it’s not that good for us. The governments are not taking into account the variables for operators like us on the Murray River.
“It’s all right for locals with tinnies and houseboats, but we need the full restrictions to be lifted to welcome tourists from other parts of regional Victoria.”
Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said the free movement for local permit holders in the border bubble was “great news”.
“Coming off the back of the move for regional Victoria into step 3 on the roadmap to reopening, this will have a hugely positive influence on the health and wellbeing of people in our region,” she said.
However, Ms Cupper said that denying visitors access to the river would be a “hindrance” to tourism operators.
“We are able to have tourists come to our region from other parts of regional Victoria, so it certainly isn’t ideal that our river tourist operators won’t be able to welcome them on board,” she said.
“We’d love to see the border completely reopened but until that time comes, we’ll continue to lobby for rules that are proportionate and hopefully tourists from outside our region will be able to enjoy the river like we do soon.”
Member for Mallee Anne Webster urged the NSW Government to take greater steps in reopening the border and South Australia needed to follow suit.
“We desperately need tourism operators here to get back on deck, which means both the NSW and South Australian borders opening up to regional Victoria,” Dr Webster said.
“There’s no sense in these border closures. We need scientific-based, medical evidence to justify the decisions to close borders.
“But it’s just been all smoke and mirrors from (Victorian Premier Daniel) Andrews and the South Australian Government is not recognising there are no COVID cases in Mildura.”
