People living in Cobram and Barooga can apply for cross-border resident permits for work, education and medical purposes. But those living in Yarroweyah, Katamatite and Muckatah are excluded.
The fate of residents in Strathmerton and Koonoomoo remains unclear. While they appear on the border zone map, when the Courier used the Service NSW "border zone address check", addresses in those towns were ineligible.
The NSW Government has established a strict new border zone, tightened permit conditions and strengthened enforcement powers to further restrict entry to NSW for Victorians.
This newly-created border zone limits who is eligible to cross the closed Victoria-NSW border under a cross-border resident exemption.
“From midnight Tuesday 21 July, border zone residents with a permit will only be able to cross into the other side of the NSW-Victorian border zone to go to work or attend an education institution, if they can’t work or learn from home, or to obtain medical care, supplies or health services,” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.
“On top of that, we’re strengthening the rules so the fewer people granted permits to enter NSW must now carry a copy of their permit and produce it when directed by enforcement officers.”
According to the Service NSW website, Victorian border zone residents can enter and remain in NSW only for work, education or medical or health care, must not travel to any part of NSW that is outside of the border zone and must not enter NSW if they have travelled outside the Victorian border zone within the previous 14 days.
A NSW border zone resident must self-isolate if they travel outside the Victorian border zone before re-entering NSW using the permit or entered Victoria for purposes other than for work, education or medical or health care.
Those living outside of the border zone may be eligible for other permit types.
Speaking to ABC Goulburn-Murray, NSW Cross Border Commissioner James McTavish confirmed those who qualify as cross-border residents can move within the border zone for work, while those whose work falls into the categories of critical services can travel outside to attend.
He also said the new public health order does not require students to self-isolate on return to NSW even if their school is outside of the zone.
There are also provisions for parents and guardians to enter NSW for school drop off and pick up, but when entering NSW for these purposes or work they cannot combine shopping or other daily life activities.
Mr McTavish said he was conscious there were not other reasonable options for many residents excluded from the border zone and was working on providing further advice.
“We are very conscious that many people live outside of the border zone who do need to enter NSW for the purposes of work,” he said.
Exceptions are also available for medical purposes and child care arrangements but Mr McTavish advised to be prepared to show evidence at the border crossing.
All permits issued before 4 pm on Tuesday, July 21, expire as the new restrictions come into force.
To check if your address is included in the border zone and to apply for a new border crossing permit, visit the Service NSW website
● This is a developing story and is subject to change. The Courier will provide updates at www.cobramcourier.com.au as more information becomes available.
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