NSW-Victoria permit restrictions ease for border residents
The Mildura Rowing Club has returned to the Murray River for the first time since NSW eased restrictions on border residents. But tourism may still be impacted.
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Mildura rowers could barely contain their excitement when told they could return to the Murray River, six weeks after border restrictions forced them off the water.
New South Wales announced a sudden easing of rules for border residents overnight, allowing Victorians close to the border to cross for any reason, provided they hold an active permit.
Because the Murray River is in NSW, entering the water is considered to be crossing state boundaries.
Mildura Rowing Club member Phil Stephens said a group chat was flooded with replies after the news came in.
Mr Stephens on Thursday afternoon finally returned to the water after a six-week hiatus.
He said the club had about 90 members who were looking forward to their chance to do the same.
“It’ll be fantastic,” he said.
“We probably noticed the drop in fitness, but that will just give us something to work for.”
Some rowers may not have minded taking a break from early starts during the cold mornings of winter.
But with Mildura now warming up, and a maximum of 31 degrees forecast for Friday, there was expected to be a rush towards the river.
“We’re into spring, the sun’s up, the weather’s better, it’s going to be good,” Mr Stephens said.
Victorian border residents were previously limited to only four reasons for entering NSW.
That requirement has been effectively scrapped for holders of the border region permit, once again opening up the river to recreation.
But it may only be a minor victory for tourism businesses.
Mildura Paddle Steamers marketing manager Ashton Kreuzer said her and other businesses that operate in NSW would not be able to welcome visitors from parts of regional Victoria outside the border region.
Mildura’s iconic paddle-steamers have been unable to pick up Victorian passengers, because the Murray River is in NSW.
Ms Kreuzer said while it was a relief to be able to serve locals again, the business had been receiving inquiries from visitors looking at staying in Mildura that would not be able to use the river.
She said she was also seeking clarity about which set of restrictions applied to passengers, including whether a mask needed to be worn.
Although an easing of restrictions had been flagged by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the changes were only announced late Wednesday evening, hours before they came in at 12.01am.
Details were published on the NSW Government website.
The move followed the Victorian Government removing its four reasons for leaving home requirement in regional Victoria this week.
Anyone with a current border resident permit can continue to use that when entering NSW until it expires.
After that, they will need to apply for a new border resident permit.
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