In a webinar with police commissioner Mike Fuller on Tuesday, councils along the Murray were informed of the closure process which started overnight.
“We know it won’t be a matter of days, it could be for a matter of weeks,” Cr Bilkey said.
“There are four bridges in our council area which will be monitored by police and other services, who we’ve been told will take a ‘pragmatic approach’.
“We did ask the question what constitutes a border community and there is no doubt that Echuca-Moama does, so we were glad we could work through that issue.
“It’s expected residents will be allowed across the river based on their home address on their licence, but how far this stretches is another issue.”
Cr Bilkey said the decision would have a devastating effect on the twin towns’ tourism trade.
“It is going to take a big dip in the coming weeks,” he said.
“It is vital that our residents get behind and support local businesses during this time.”
MRC chief executive Des Bilske added: “It will have a significant impact on local tourism as the majority of visitors to Moama come from Victoria,” he said.
“Council will be monitoring the situation and will make assessment of what support may need to be put in place when more detail of the economic impact is known.”
While Cr Bilkey admitted he could understand the frustrations of locals, he said the decision would help keep the twin towns safe.
“Our priority is the health and safety of our residents,” he said.
“Echuca-Moama has been COVID-free for a couple of weeks now and we want to keep it that way.
“By doing the right thing we will be able to do that.”
Cr Bilkey also said MRC customer service officers were swamped with calls on Tuesday regarding permits.
He said the site was expected to be up and running by Tuesday night.
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