The Australian Capital Territory is set to broaden its border bubble arrangements when it comes out of lockdown on Friday.
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From October 15, the ACT will expand its standing exemption border postcodes to include towns such as Gundagai and Tumut, allowing travel from a larger area of NSW.
Eden-Monaro MP Kristy McBain has welcomed the news, but said border issues are "in no way resolved".
Residents of the regions included in the new arrangements will be able to travel to and from the ACT to undertake work and study, attend school, or do essential shopping and access health care - without applying for an exemption.
They will also be allowed to travel to the ACT to visit family and friends, under the existing gathering limits, as well as access childcare and attend a wedding or funeral, as permitted under the NSW public health order.
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The regions now included in the border bubble are Tumbarumba, Tumut, Batlow, Gundagai, Laurel Hill, Jugiong, Coolac and more. The full list of included regions is available via the ACT government website.
Eden-Monaro MP Kristy McBain said that whilst people from NSW can now enter Canberra for a number of reasons, the NSW public health orders mean they will still need to stay at home for 14 days when they return.
"Put simply, the ACT and NSW health order still do not align," she said.
Ms McBain said that NSW' roadmap to reopening has meant greater freedoms for some this week, but many across her electorate are "trying to grapple with ongoing confusion about what they're allowed to do".
This confusion is particularly rife in border communities, she added, with her team answering "hundreds of questions" each week about the "ever-changing" rules.
"The lack of consistency and clear communication from the NSW Government for our border communities is infuriating," Ms McBain said.
"I will keep advocating for a sensible arrangement that works both ways because our border communities can't be kept in the dark any longer."
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Emily Wind
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
