Boating businesses in Yarrawonga and Mulwala are at a standstill with the NSW-Victoria border closure creating further headaches.
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Water in Lake Mulwala is under the jurisdiction of NSW, which is a hurdle for Victorian residents wishing to partake in boating activity.
Lake Mulwala Barby Boats owner Simon Mitchell is weighing up whether it's worth pushing on through the quieter winter months with new restrictions on customers.
Mr Mitchell will have to ensure everyone using his boats either lives in NSW or has a permit to cross from Victoria.
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"I haven't shut down completely, but it's going to be awfully hard to police who gets on my boat," he admitted.
"It's the end of the NSW holidays, so it's not going to get any busier.
"I've been thinking to myself I won't cross the border unless I really have to.
"I'm contemplating going up to Queensland for a holiday while it's quiet, but if I go to Yarrawonga for anything I can't go to Queensland for 14 days."
Mr Mitchell took over the business in 2017 and has two 12-seater boats along with a 10-seater.
It's undoubtedly been his toughest year as an operator, having replaced a motor out of one of the larger vessels only to find out a week later everyone was in lockdown.
I haven't shut down completely, but it's going to be awfully hard to police who gets on my boat.
- Simon Mitchell
Meanwhile, Cruise Yarrawonga Mulwala, who look after the Cumberoona and Sienna Daisy, have been off the water since the announcement of the initial lockdown.
Function coordinator Diana Knowles said they haven't attempted to reopen since due to operating costs outweighing the limited number of people they can have on board.
"For us to actually make it viable we need 50-plus," Mrs Knowles said.
"It's just too much with our paddle steamer cost wise to even get it started and you're not guaranteed you're going to get 20 customers each time you want to cruise.
"We originally said September, but now it's looking like maybe later.
"Even though they'll lift likely restrictions, they'll probably go back to 20 patrons indoors and outdoors.
"The border closure didn't really make a difference to us because we haven't reopened yet."
Cruise Yarrawonga Mulwala is in the process of restoring the Cumberoona.