Politicians and businesses in regional NSW say they are fed up with blanket coronavirus restrictions across the state, with many areas not having seen a case of community transmission for more than 12 months.
Regional businesses are under mounting financial pressure as Victoria extends its statewide lockdown for another week, and New South Wales continues to grapple with its growing outbreak in Greater Sydney.
Labor MP for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain says changes need to be made for COVID-19 free regional communities across Australia.
"As long as that health threat isn't in our area and as long as we're following the health advice then our communities shouldn't be suffering."
Call to make the rules clearer
Currently, all of New South Wales and the ACT is a red zone under Victoria's travel permit system, but there is some leeway for cross-border communities.
According to the Victorian government, cross-border community members can enter Victoria if they have not left the border bubble region in the previous 14 days.
However, Mayor of the Bega Valley Shire Russell Fitzpatrick said there was too much confusion surrounding the rules.
"If we could have more of an openness to move around and more certainty for our businesses and our community."
He said too many residents on the NSW South Coast continued to be hit by outbreaks outside of the region, usually in metropolitan areas.
"Most of our tourist operators have had constant cancellations as soon as the requirements change," Cr Fitzpatrick said.
"If we had a green zone with Victoria and had our border bubble it would have been much better for regional Victoria and for ourselves."
The Department of Health and Human Services Victoria has been contacted for comment.
