ALBURY business representative Barry Young fears some traders may not re-open following the expected end of COVID lockdown in the city this weekend.
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The chairman of Albury Business Connect said the true impact of the three-week shutdown would only become apparent once restrictions eased.
"It's a little early to tell, we'll get a better indication once lockdown eases," Mr Young said when asked he thought enterprises had fared.
"There's a feeling that some businesses may not reopen, with lockdown finishing it will be all eyes on some of the businesses.
"It's probably a real test of liquidity and resources for a lot of businesses because they've had to dig deep into the well and unfortunately some of the wells will run dry.
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"It's difficult to prop up businesses, even with government support."
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said he would be advocating for the Murray and Riverina areas to be freed from lockdown, when the matter was discussed at a crisis planning meeting on Wednesday ahead of a public announcement Thursday.
He said the decision of Victoria to lift its lockdown in regional places from Thursday night was welcome.
"That's good news, it means they're feeling more comfortable with what's happening in the regions and that gives me very good comfort," Mr Barilaro said in response to a question from The Border Mail.
"My intention is that your region should come out, that's what we're putting forward."
Mr Barilaro wants harmony in cross border settings.
"I think those border communities feel it more when there is disparity, so fingers crossed," he said.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy welcomed the Deputy Premier's advocacy but was not willing to forecast the likelihood of restrictions ending after Friday, the time to which they were extended two weeks ago.
"I can't predict what the announcement will be," Mr Clancy said.
Mr Barilaro said restrictions post lockdown would not be the same as previously, but declined to speculate on possible differences.
Meanwhile, all three close contacts of a COVID-infected Wodonga truck driver who visited a Howlong pet food factory have returned negative results.
