NSW Government to open border to Victoria
Published on 04 November 2020
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced the NSW government will be opening the border to Victoria on November 23.
She said there would be free movement between NSW and Victoria from 12.01am November 23.
Ms Berejiklian said the move would free up police to be deployed elsewhere where needed.
She said it would make NSW the only state or territory in Australia open to all residents.
She said unless "something extraordinary" happens she does not foresee the date changing.
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said today’s announcement was warmly welcomed by many residents throughout the Federation region community.
“Today’s announcement is a credit to our border community residents who have done the right thing during what can only be described as a really tough experience for many,” he said.
“The border closure has had big impacts on our border communities and there is no doubt the significant economic and social impacts this has had on our communities is growing each day. Our residents and businesses from November 23 can now get on with business and start to live their lives in a COVID normal setting. Council has worked closely with the NSW Government throughout the border closure and we will continue to monitor the situation as restrictions are eased. Council thank MP Justin Clancy and Cross Border Commissioner James McTavish for their tireless advocacy efforts on behalf of Council and our communities throughout this process.”
Member for Albury Justin Clancy MP said he was pleased with the Premier’s announcement.
“This has been a challenging time for our community on both sides of the border, for employers, for all who have struggled with work, health, schooling and childcare decisions,” he said.
“Our community has been thrust into the front line of defence for several months and has acquitted the task well. I acknowledge that the opening of the border cannot come soon enough, and that the final few weeks are in themselves a challenge. There will be ongoing traumas for many of our community and in particular those in tourism businesses and I recognise their need for our support.”