Checkpoints on NSW Victorian border end, but Victoria Police and government give no announcements

Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said in a statement that all NSW residents could enter Victoria, with a permit from 6pm Friday.

He said all Greater Sydney Local Government Areas previously classed as 'orange' zones under the government's traffic light system would turn green from 6pm.

And the one LGA that had been classed as a red zone would transition to an orange zone.

Despite this, the Victorian government and Victoria Police did not make any official announcements about the lifting of the border closure and removal of checkpoints.

Late yesterday evening, NSW Member for Albury Justin Clancy said he had been advised by Victorian Police that it had ceased checkpoint operations.

He said checkpoints would take some time to remove so traffic delays were expected.

It came after a day of hints from senior Victoria Ministers, but no official word.

Police Minister Lisa Neville yesterday morning told 3AW she was optimistic there would be changes to checkpoints.

"That will mean police who are in a position to start scaling back," she said. "They'll continue to have... a spot check role along the border."

Business NSW's Anthony McFarlane said removing checkpoints and reopening the border was the first step in restoring confidence and stability.

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Mr McFarlane said a December business confidence survey showed "when government eases restrictions and gets out of the way, businesses and communities can flourish."

"Governments need to think through thoroughly any future border closures given the significant impacts on our economy and our community," he said.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the government would be looking at its own and NSW's COVID numbers before making any decisions.

She did not comment on police deployment saying it was a matter for the chief commissioner.

"It's fair to say with the numbers being low, all the signs are pointing in a really positive direction to see the easing and lifting of various restrictions," she said.

Residents travelling to Victoria from a green zone need a permit but do not need to self-isolate or arrival. Residents from an orange zone must self-isolate for 72 hours.

Victoria officially closed their border with NSW on January 1.