The Victorian and New South Wales Governments are working together to ensure the vital agriculture industry can continue to operate while borders are closed.
While some impacts to the Victorian and NSW agricultural industries are anticipated, Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes and NSW Minister Adam Marshall have committed to working through any issues that arise to ensure farmers and agribusinesses can continue get their produce to market.
This includes declaration from the NSW Government of agriculture, freight and logistics as critical services, supporting businesses across the border.
The border closed at midnight on Tuesday to stop the spread of coronavirus with Victorians will be able to apply online via the Service NSW website for exemptions to move between the two states.
Permits are also available for emergency services, medical or hospital care, freight and commercial workers and mining, construction, energy and manufacturing workers.
Both governments are also working to ensure regulatory requirments continue to be met, including necessary animal welfare practices and biosecurity requirments.
The extent of any impacts to agricultural industries will become clearer as details of how the border closure will operate are worked though.
Updates will be made to coronavirus.vic.gov.au and nsw.gov.au/covid-19as more information is known. To apply for a permit, visit service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit.
“We know there are many farmers, agricultural workers and service providers that need to cross the border regularly to do their jobs – we are committed to ensuring we can support them during this difficult time,” Minister Symes said.