A large-scale police operation is continuing along the NSW/Victoria border, with police facilitating the safe movement of more than two million vehicles into NSW.
A public health order amendment stipulates that border region residents can travel within the border region for any reason with a valid permit as of midnight yesterday.
The border resident permit now excludes the ‘permitted purpose’ clause, giving border residents the flexibility to move between border communities for any reason.
Operation Border Closure Forward Commander, Superintendent Paul Smith, said police would continue to work with local communities to keep both sides of the border safe.
“The changes to the orders are certainly good news for our border communities,” Supt Smith said.
“The aim of this operation has always been to keep NSW safe, while minimising disruptions to the daily lives of our border communities.
“Police will continue to enforce all ministerial directions in order to protect our health and wellbeing, but we do rely on community support and compliance.
Police say existing border region permits will remain the same and there is no need for residents to apply for a new permit.
The changes to the order also allows for recreational activities on the Murray River for border region residents with a current permit.
The Border Region has also been extended to approximately 50km on either side of the border. The new zone can be viewed online at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/border-zone-address-check.
“I would like to extend my thanks to our border communities for their patience and compliance during these times,” Supt Smith said.
For more information about exemptions or to apply for a permit, please visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit
