NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro plans to return to Albury next week to outline changes to border clamps.
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He spent Thursday hearing from mayors and business, health and school figures about the pain caused by his government's closure of the Victorian border.
Mr Barilaro said there was some "low-hanging fruit" ripe for change with restrictions and that the NSW health hierarchy was showing a willingness to be flexible.
Business NSW Murray-Riverina regional manager Andrew Cottrill said Mr Barilaro was "very receptive" to postcode shifts for workers beyond the border zone.
It was also agreed on Thursday that a cross border recovery committee would be established with Albury MP Justin Clancy as chairman.
The group is expected to consider the use of government financial support to help businesses, as well as restoring the confidence and wellbeing of the community.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack said he was pleased with Mr Barilaro's feedback.
"He acknowledged our very real concerns and like us, is keen to get local people back to work at a time when our economy is taking a heavy hit," Cr Mack said.
"We estimate that more than five per cent of residents in the Albury Wodonga REZ (regional economic zone) are currently unable to go to work, resulting in a $39 million decrease in our gross regional product.
"With local businesses battling an average weekly revenue shortfall of more than $8500, it's very clear that urgent action is needed by the government."
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An aid package for border businesses is expected to be announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday.
Mr Cottrill said: "It's something we've been encouraging and suggesting needs to happen quickly as any further delay would just cause more businesses to close their doors permanently."
Mr Barilaro said weeks after the closure change was needed and he backed plans by Mr Clancy and fellow MP Bill Tilley to allow permit-free travel in Albury-Wodonga and surrounds.
"I can't make promises of what I can achieve but I am going back with the facts, the data," Mr Barilaro said.
Mr Barilaro said his most immediate priority was to help students hit by border controls, followed by medics and agricultural workers.
He conceded poor detailing of changes had seen faith lost from border residents.
"A serious amount of notice and communicating the message is going to be the solution going forward and that's the only way we're going to build trust," Mr Barilaro said.
Fellow National, Wodonga senator Bridget McKenzie endorsed Mr Barilaro's ability to force change from Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
"The time for talk is past, we know the Deputy Premier will make it very clear to the NSW government that we need real solutions now," Senator McKenzie said.
Ms Berejiklian declined to say when the border would re-open, but said permit "tweaks" were in play.
"We're trying our hardest to get the right balance, but we appreciate, along the way, that certain communities will suffer more than others because of the consequences of our decisions," she said.
"Our job is to identify them and support them specifically, which is what we're doing."