Victorians stuck in regional NSW finally free to come home

A Geelong couple stuck in Albury has been reunited with their sick dog following changes to the government’s controversial permit system.

Thousands of Victorians stuck in NSW for months are making their way home after the government finally changed its controversial permit system.

The Victorian Government downgraded the status of all NSW local government areas, excluding Albury, from extreme risk to red zones on Sunday night.

Those living in border bubble communities can also now cross between the two states without a permit.

Phillip Island’s Vanna and Cameron Watters, stuck in a Wooli caravan park since July, said they received their permit within minutes.

“We went online and had it in a couple of minutes, (which is) ironic after we had been trying so hard and the process was so difficult,” Mrs Watters said.

Geelong couple Denis and Katrina Leahy were given the green light to return home on Friday, after spending more than a month in an Albury caravan park and having their applications rejected four times.

Fully vaccinated they had their exemptions rejected three times but have finally been able to return home to care for their 14-year-old blind, deaf and diabetic dog.

Highton's Denis and Katrina Leahy and dog Angus, home after being stuck in NSW limbo for 34 days because of Covid restrictions. Picture: Alison Wynd

The extreme risk zone permit system had been heavily criticised for its lack of transparency.

The Victorian Ombudsman announced it was launching an investigation into the system on Thursday.

Victorians in red zone LGAs away from the border will have to apply for a red zone permit and spend 14 days in quarantine upon arrival.

Victorians in extreme risk zones, such as Albury, will still have to apply for an exemption or exception from the restrictions.

Edward River Council, about an hour north of Echuca on the border, was the only LGA to be reinstated into the border bubble.

Mayor Norm Brennan said it was “business as usual” for the region with Victorian bubble residents able to return to work.

“We are relieved by the decision to reinstate ERC in to the Victorian border bubble,” Cr Brennan said.

“Our exclusion caused major concerns for our residents, particularly in the areas of health, education and employment.

“Our residents will now be able to access essential health care, to go back to school and work and to once again feel a part of the border community.

“ERC residents access health care services in Echuca, Bendigo and Shepparton — as well as Melbourne. This decision (by the Victorian Government) will provide enormous relief that our health and well being will not be compromised by a line on a map.”

The Victorian LGAs previously removed including Greater Shepparton, City of Benalla, Greater Bendigo, Buloke, Loddon and Yarriambiack remain outside the bubble.

The Victorian Government was contacted for comment.