Victoria-NSW border closure: Agricultural worker permits announced

Agricultural workers who live and work in border communities are allowed into Victoria from NSW. It comes as weaner calf sales kick off, with strong interest from northern buyers.

The Hume Freeway check point on the Victorian side of the border near Wodonga. Picture: Simon Dallinger

AGRICULTURAL workers from border communities are allowed passage between NSW and Victoria via a new permit system.

Monday’s announcement of the permit came just days after the Victorian border closed to NSW over COVID-19 concerns and follows a week of suspense for livestock agents and producers across southern Victoria preparing for summer weaner calf sales, as to whether buyers from NSW would be allowed passage into Victoria.

The Victorian Government announced agricultural workers who live and work between Victoria and NSW could apply for a permit to enter Victoria.

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson confirmed people who live in border communities would not need a permit to travel, but must carry valid identification when travelling.

DHHS lists the NSW shires of Albury City, Balranald, Bega Valley, Berrigan, Broken Hill, Edward River, Federation, Greater Hume, Hay, Lockhart, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys, Wagga Wagga, and Wentworth shires as inside the border bubble.

According to DHHS, residents from border bubble communities who travelled beyond the NSW border region in the last 14 days would not be allowed passage across the border from NSW into Victoria.

Victorian border bubble shires include Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Campaspe, Moira, Wangaratta, Indigo, Yarriambiack, Buloke, Loddon, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Benalla, Wodonga, Towong and East Gippsland.

A statement released by the Victorian Government said Victorian farmers and agricultural workers living outside the border bubble would need to self isolate for 14 days after returning from NSW, as well as be tested for COVID-19 twice.

Victorian Farmers Federation livestock president Steve Harrison said it was critical permits were available to ensure essential services can pass across the border.

“At the calf sales, I did see there were buyers coming from Queensland, and the ACT, and some have been proactive in getting across the border early,” Mr Harrison said.

“Wodonga … is still in a bubble as far as I know, and that does allow for people inside the bubble to attend those sales. I’m sure there’s pressure on vendors, agents, truck drivers, and all those involved this week with the calf sales.

“Prices of more than 500c/kg for light weaner calves at Hamilton, Wodonga and Mortlake earlier this week demonstrate strong buyer intention from north of the Victorian border.

“Grass fever has a role to play.

“At the end of the day, there is a shortage of stock. Hopefully we can get on top of the (COVID-19) situation so we can get back to normal, for all concerned.”

Victorian Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the permits would allow agricultural workers who “need to cross the border to perform their vital work” to do so, “while keeping our state safe”.

Individuals who hold an exception from the Department of Health and Human Services, those with a transit permit from another jurisdiction, Victorians who have already completed 14 days of quarantine in NSW, and emergency service workers have authorised entry into Victoria from NSW.

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