Border breakthrough looms

Published on 22 September 2020

Tomorrow's reopening of the SA/NSW border would be a major relief for local families according to Mayor Darriea Turley AM.

From midnight on Thursday morning, NSW residents entering SA would no longer have to undergo 14 days' quarantine — provided the NSW Government confirms that no-one in the State acquired COVID-19 from an unknown source in the lead up to the reopening.

However, locals travelling to SA would still be required to complete an online approval form.

Mayor Turley said the lifting of restrictions would be a breakthrough for locals.

"The 14-day quarantine made it almost impossible for locals to travel between NSW and SA," she said.

"Our access to SA is vital for health and education, and just for family connections.

"There would be hundreds of locals who haven't seen their loved ones in months, so I expect Highway 32 to be very busy over the coming weeks."

Mayor Turley said she was proud of Council's continual lobbying over the border issue, which included numerous letters, phone calls, and video meetings with politicians and officials over recent months.

"I think the impetus was growing on SA to reopen the borders, and I believe we contributed to that in a positive manner," she said.

"We were extremely persistent - they were probably a little sick of hearing from us - but at the same time we were very respectful and understanding throughout the advocacy process.

"Hopefully there are no surprises in the next 24 hours and we can resume our relationship with SA."

In other travel developments, Queensland will extend its border zone with NSW from 1am Thursday 1 October to include Ballina, Casino and other areas along the length of the border.