In a joint statement released by Regional Development Australia Murray, a group of 32 signatory organisations is seeking to raise awareness and engage governments on the impact of the border closure.
According to the statement, recent surveys found nearly 90 per cent of border businesses had been impacted and an average of 2.7 staff per business were unable to cross the border to attend work.
Committee for Echuca-Moama chairperson Geoff Kelly said his group fully supported the initiative.
“We all understand the need to be vigilant, but it’s important for the government authorities to consider how it’s going to impact people on the ground,” he said.
“To do that without any consultation just doesn’t seem right.”
Mr Kelly said issues remained, with people outside the border zone unable to go to work.
“There’s some issues that just defy any logic at all,” he said.
“We were in the position before where people in the 50km zone were able to move more freely and we didn’t see any huge regional outbreaks because of that, so why did it all of a sudden need to be implemented to such a stringent zone?
“We don’t know what the outcome of this will be, [NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian] seems pretty determined she’s not going to compromise, which I think is a bit short-sighted.”
Echuca-Moama Tourism also signed the statement.
“Currently our border communities are being disadvantaged and we’re keen to make sure we keep our community thriving,” Echuca-Moama Tourism chief executive Kathryn Mackenzie said.
“Our tourism operators in Moama virtually had all the tourism opportunity cut off for a long time now — we’re seeking some business support for them in the same way Victoria supported the accommodation sector.”
The statement says “no other area of Australia has suffered the impact of not being able to attend work because of COVID-19 emergency orders. Our communities are facing rules more restrictive than those imposed on residents of Melbourne and Sydney hotspots.”
Campaspe Shire Council, Murray River Council, Gannawarra Council, Committee for Echuca-Moama, Echuca-Moama Tourism and the Echuca-Moama Accommodation Association are among the signatories.
The statement outlines five prioritised recommendations, which include creation of a border closure disaster response program, a NSW regional tourism fund, and consultation with local regional development leaders prior to future changes to border regulations.
The full statement is available on the Regional Development Australia website.
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