Mayor calls on NSW Government to ‘unlock our river’

Published on 05 September 2020

Mildura Mayor Simon Clemence has called on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to extend this week’s relaxing of NSW border restrictions to include the Murray River in Sunraysia.

In a letter to the NSW Premier, Cr Clemence highlighted the importance of unlocking the Murray River given the heavy reliance Sunraysia businesses placed on it for their survival and well-being.

Cr Clemence said use of the river for boating, camping or fishing was vital to attract visitors from other COVID-safe areas, and the resulting economic benefits they provided to local businesses.

“The Victorian Government is set to announce details of new COVID-19 controls, which we hope will allow more local businesses to open up again in coming weeks,” the Mayor said.

“The problem is many business in our region rely on visitors and river access for their survival, particularly with the approaching warmer weather.”

Cr Clemence also highlighted the importance of river access for local residents’ well-being.

“We’re a river community and for many of us enjoying the river for boating, fishing or camping is part of our lifestyle,” he said.

“This small sense of normality is important now more than ever during these difficult times, providing some comfort or relief amongst the other restrictions we know are necessary to keep our region COVID-free.

“While we’re appreciative of Premier Berejiklian’s latest changes to border restrictions, we need the NSW Government to unlock the river in our region for our survival and well-being.”

ENDS