NSW authorities have announced twin town communities along the Murray River will be regarded as ‘bubbles’ and their residents will be treated differently when the NSW-Victoria borders are closed at midnight.
This will be the first time the borders have closed since 1919 – and that was at the height of the Spanish Influenza epidemic.
Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said people with a river postcode are all being exempted and will only need to apply for an new one after two weeks.
That can be done on the Service NSW website, which can be accessed at www.service.nsw.gov.au
“I would like to thank NSW authorities for their inclusion approach to river communities,” Mr Walsh said.
But their message to the rest of Victoria is crystal clear,” he said.
“Victorians not living in border towns will not be able to go into NSW – however transport trucks on genuine long-haul trips, will be greenlighted.
“The exemption forms were delayed but they are available now and if there are any changes to our initial information; we will provide updates via our Facebook page.
“NSW police also told us if there is a failure in the technology (such as the permit system) and your trip across the river cannot wait, you will need to explain the situation to police and they will work with you – and have evidence of your home address.
“That would apply, for example, if you were collecting children from school or after-school activities, or going to and from work.
But if you don’t have to cross the border, please don’t – it is going to be sufficiently challenging while the people in NSW work through all the exemption submissions.”
NSW Police will have powers to demand explanation, turn people around and to fine them. There will be a significant fine for falsifying information to come into NSW.
