WE’VE got our river back!
Member for Mildura Ali Cupper says the NSW Government’s easing of restrictions for border zone residents which allows free movement in the border bubble for permit holders is great news for the region.
“This means people on the Victorian side of the Murray River, as long as they have a current permit, will again be able to put a boat on the river whether for rowing, fishing or other water sports,” Ms Cupper said.
“This will be such a welcome move for so many people who have not been able to use the river for months now.
“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.”
From Thursday, people in the border zone will be able to cross into NSW for any reason including visiting family or friends (limits remain on numbers allowed in houses), shop, play sport or dine.
Ms Cupper said at this stage only locals with permits would be able to access the river, which 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.
“But being able to get back onto the river is a positive move and we should celebrate that. With school holidays coming up, I would hope border zone residents make a special effort to be tourists in their own towns, to help support our tourist operators as they slowly rebuild.
“If the COVID-19 case numbers continue to fall in Victoria, I would be hopeful the NSW Government will move to further ease the border rules to allow full access to the river for everyone.
“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.”
For more information on the restrictions visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions
