NSW border still a sticking point for business

“With the numbers in regional Victoria as they are, we are calling on the NSW Premier to review the border restrictions,” she said.

“We really need her to consider opening it sooner rather than later in order to get things moving again.”

Ms Mackenzie said the changes would do a great deal to help businesses recover.

“I think for our local community it will make a massive difference, and will really help those operators on the NSW side to get their businesses going.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said both NSW and South Australia were considering opening to regional Victoria.

“I think they will be more likely to let regional Victoria into NSW and into South Australia while there is that border between Melbourne and regional Victoria,” he said.

“We don't want that to be on for any longer than it needs to be, but we do still have two different stories, there is much less virus in regional Victoria than metro Melbourne, even though the metro Melbourne numbers are getting close to regional Victorian levels.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the decision was being examined and would be heavily based on the easing of restrictions that were announced on Sunday.

“We are very keen to see what happens in Victoria once further restrictions are eased,” she said.

“When everything is locked down, you know the disease isn't going to spread. Once you ease restrictions, you can then tell if they are on top of things.

“We are watching things very closely, and would expect we need at least a fortnight after restrictions are eased substantially to assess how safe it is for us to open our border.

“We are (keen to open the border) as well. If Victoria demonstrates to us they aren't going to have uncontrolled outbreaks whilst they're easing restrictions, that will give us confidence to open the borders.”

NSW also announced further restriction changes on Monday, with group bookings of up to 30 people allowed in restaurants, instead of the previous restriction of 20.

The number of guests allowed at weddings will also be raised to 300 from December 1.