The new rules mean anyone living within the “border bubble” will only be eligible to cross the NSW/VIC border for work, education, health or critical services.
Anyone living or working outside of the newly established border zone, and is not considered a “critical worker”, will not be allowed to cross into NSW without isolating for 14 days.
Corowa Tiles, The Selection Centre owner, Chris Cull said that the new restrictions would be detrimental to many small businesses across the region who operate outside the border permit zone.
“What it means for us is that there will be no deliveries across the border and more than 50 percent of our business is in Victoria,” Mr Cull said.
If those regulations stay for eight or ten weeks, then a lot of businesses might not reopen. These restrictions are just not practical for small business.”
Mr Cull also expressed concern about his children who attend school at Cathedral College Wangaratta.
“My kids go to school in Wangaratta,” he said. “If they cross the border and go to school today, they will need to isolate for 14 days once they return across the border. So, it looks like we will we doing remote learning again.”
According to the Service NSW website, Rutherglen is excluded from the Border permit zone, causing concern for many Rutherglen residents including Corowa Free Press administration staff member, Dale Pegg.
“It looks like I’m not coming to work this week,” Ms Pegg said.
“I don’t understand the reasoning for it. Especially when Indigo Shire is abiding by the rules and hasn’t had a case yet. It’s very frustrating.”
Member for Indi, Helen Haines has stressed to government that more postcodes need to be included in the border zoning.
“These are challenging developments for individuals that rely on regular border crossings to access essential services. I continue to advocate for reasonable adjustments to these measures and will keep everyone informed,” Ms Haines said.
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