Under Victoria’s traffic light border permit system, all of NSW has been declared a red zone since July 11; however, an exemption is in place for border residents, meaning they can travel freely between the two with just a proof of address.
The Victorian Government uses local government areas to define the border bubble, which includes Greater Bendigo for example; however, when the NSW Government implemented its own restrictions for Victorians, it released a narrower border map, ending between Elmore and Goornong.
Under NSW’s restrictions, border residents can travel to Victoria without having to follow stay-at-home orders on their return, as long as they stay within the border bubble.
“The NSW Government will continue to work with the Victorian Government to ensure border restrictions mitigate public health risks without border communities being unnecessarily burdened,” a spokesperson for NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.
“A person is exempt from completing a NSW entry declaration form if they reside in the NSW/Victorian border region and only travel within that region.”
NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton wrote to Mr Hazzard on June 29, asking for a common border bubble for both NSW and Victoria to be considered, but received no response.
She has also appealed to the Victorian and NSW cross border commissioners.
“What’s very concerning is NSW residents can’t apply for an exemption if they need to go beyond the border bubble for an urgent medical appointment,” Ms Dalton said.
“What’s a pregnant woman supposed to do if she needs to go to Bendigo for an appointment?
“What about those who have regular weekly cancer treatment in Victoria?
“The NSW Government bludges off the Victorian health system, so it’s a bit rich of them to ban people going to Victoria when they haven’t provided proper health facilities in NSW towns.
“Border closures are supposed to protect our health. But they’re actually putting people’s health in danger.”
For information on Victoria’s travel restrictions visit and for NSW’s visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/information-cross-border-communitiesnsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/interstate-hotspots#nsw-victoria-border-communities
More local news
Echuca pub owner fined for opening during lockdown
Echuca childcare providers to share in regional cash splash
Man in Moama charged with traffic, drug and weapons offences
12°C