Despite NSW restrictions being imposed due to the Delta outbreak in Sydney, Victorians are still allowed to travel within the NSW-Victoria border bubble, which has been declared a ‘green zone’ by the Victorian Government.
However, Echuca Moama Accommodation Association co-president Paul Lavars said government messaging hadn’t always been clear for border communities.
“There’s just a lot of confusion – restrictions are present, but we’re happy to be open,” he said.
“If we do end up as an orange zone, we’ll be a ghost town in Moama.
“Our accommodation sector won’t be allowed to draw any business from outside the border bubble and if that happens it would be crippling for the industry.”
Mr Lavars expressed a need for clear information from governments regarding travel restrictions.
“It’s disappointing the information from the government created this smokescreen of confusion,” he said.
“The messaging needs to be succinct so when it does come out, it’s not confusing.”
Most of regional NSW has been declared an ‘orange zone’ by the Victorian Government, meaning people must agree to self-isolate on arrival until they receive a negative test result.
Karen Hoare is a manager at Merool Holiday Park in Moama and said hesitation and confusion about COVID-19 restrictions in NSW had meant the school holidays were looking quiet.
“We’ve got about eight bookings from 30 or more sites,” she said.
“People have got to the stage where they’re so unsure and because we’re in a border community – can they travel, can they get back – all that confusion.
“People were starting to make bookings for the school holidays last minute but now they’re cancelling. Not that there’s been a border closure, but they’re just hesitant to travel now.”
Ms Hoare said the park had seen people choosing to book last minute rather than far in advance due to the uncertainty brought about by COVID-19.
“Because we’re on the border, it affects us when Melburnians can’t travel here because of restrictions and now because NSW has restrictions, Melburnians are wary about coming to an area in NSW,” she said.
“It’s a double-edged sword. We’re getting the fallout from Victoria and NSW.”
Echuca Moama Tourism chief executive Kathryn Mackenzie said there had been lots of inquiries regarding travel and the border restrictions, but visitors were still coming to the twin towns.
“We’re just watching day-by-day what the situation is and making sure our operators and visitors have good information,” she said.
“We’re welcoming all our visitors to Echuca-Moama for the school holidays. We’ve got great things happening and we’re open for business.”
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