The first term mayor is an Albury resident and under the "extreme risk" designation for the entire state of NSW made by the Victorian government, Wodonga is suddenly off-limits to him.

Cross-border residents can only enter into Victoria for five reasons _ shopping for necessary goods and services; care and caregiving, including medical care; exercise; authorised work and permitted study or to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

Mayoral duties are not considered authorised work under the Victorian government's definition.

But the mayor is not the only one impacted by the latest changes with an unspecified number of council staff also unable to travel from Albury to Wodonga.

"It is our understanding these restrictions presently apply while Victoria is in lockdown," a Wodonga Council spokesperson said.

"We await an update on the lockdown restrictions like the rest of Victoria.

"Such restrictions affect many of our staff, but it does not impact on our service delivery for our community.

"Present arrangements allow for the mayor to undertake his duties, in some instances by virtual means.

"Any scheduled meetings or public events, like the opening of Hyphen, will be subject to the restrictions of the day and will be considered accordingly."

The Border Mail has sought confirmation from the Victorian government about how long the "extreme risk" designation will last.

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Victoria has had three lockdowns since Cr Poulton was elected to Wodonga Council and voted mayor.

But unlike previous shutdowns he could travel across the Murray River under the border bubble arrangements.

The council doesn't hold a monthly meeting again until August 16 and has already held multiple meetings during COVID-19 online including the July meeting and the contentious June meeting.

Wodonga Council is hoping the lockdown lifts tomorrow and one of its major milestones, the official opening of the $12.8 million library-gallery building, Hyphen, can proceed as planned on August 6.

But a cloud hangs over how many can attend the official opening with tight initial limits expected on public gatherings when the state emerges from Lockdown 5.0.

Member for Northern Victoria and Attorney General Jaclyn Symes is due to represent the Andrews government, the major funding contributor, at the opening.

Local government authorised workers include those in essential environmental health roles and local law enforcement.

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