THE New South Wales Government needs to provide refunds to Victorian recreational and professional boating licence holders for their loss of use of the Murray River due to its harsh, hard border closure.

Boating, fishing and water sports users from Victoria are banned from using the Murray River because it is declared NSW territory and permits are not allowed.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said the river ban had huge impacts on Victorian border communities.

“The NSW Government needs to provide pro rata refunds on boating registrations, houseboat mooring fees and fishing licences for all those people and businesses who are unable to use the river,” Ms Cupper said.

“The government needs to be held to account for its restrictions. The river is a hugely important part of our social fabric, so to take that away from people is harsh in itself.

“But people and businesses shouldn’t be left out of pocket for something completely out of their control – and unnecessary.

“This is just another example of the NSW Government’s over-reach with regards to these hard border closures.

“The government might see closing off the Murray River as a frivolous, but it again shows a lack of understanding of the essence of border communities.”

Ms Cupper said refunding licence and mooring fees is not an unreasonable request given there is no end in sight for the current restrictions.