Border decision could see regional Victorians travel to Sydney, Adelaide before Melbourne

The South Australian and New South Wales governments are deliberating whether to open borders to Victorians in regions where there are no coronavirus cases.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said it was a matter of ongoing consideration by his government's transition committee.

"We do consider the importance of regional Victoria and the different COVID activity but there are no changes at this point in time based on discussions so far," he said.

Premier Daniel Andrews said it made sense.

READ MORE:

"It makes perfect sense if you can travel from Mildura to Orbost based on the fact both communities have very low virus rates, I would absolutely champion for holidaying at home and supporting the economic recovery here," he said.

Rural Councils Victoria chair and Southern Grampians Cr Mary-Anne Brown has written to the state government calling for the regions to take the next step.

"Due to the extremely low infection rate in rural and regional Victoria, RCV asks that restrictions in rural and regional areas are eased further as soon as possible," she said.

"This would be consistent with the government's earlier decision to treat rural and regional areas differently to the metropolitan region due to the massive differential in infection rates."

The next step includes having 50 people inside a restaurant and 20 visitors to the home. Mr Andrews said regional areas were close to reopening.

"It's only a couple of weeks, these arrangements are not longstanding. This can't be wished away, it is real. But the strategy is working."

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Wimmera Mail-Times, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling the Wimmera's stories. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great region.