Changes to the NSW-Victoria border arrangements

There have been a number of changes to the NSW-Victoria border arrangements announced recently, including an announcement today that residents in the NSW-Victoria border bubble will only be able to enter Victoria without a permit if they are travelling for essential reasons. This change is expected to come into effect from 11.59pm on Tuesday 3 August. Please refer to the information in the Victorian Government media release for further details on today’s announcement.

We understand the changes can be confusing so we have outlined below what the current NSW-Victoria border arrangements mean for our people. Please be assured, as more information becomes available we will update you.

For our people who need to cross the border for work: You can apply for a ‘Specified Worker (other) permit’ under the category of ‘essential service worker’ and use that to cross in the event you don't qualify as Victorian border region residents. You can apply for a permit here.

If you live in the City of Wagga Wagga, Hay Shire Council, Lockhart Shire Council and Murrumbidgee Council: You are no longer included in the cross-border bubble. These local government areas were included under the Extreme Risk Zone from 11:59pm 27 July, in line with the rest of NSW, and residents now need an exemption, exception, transit permit or specified worker permit to enter Victoria.

If you live in the NSW cross-border area: It is anticipated that from 11.59pm Tuesday 3 August you will only be able to enter Victoria without a permit for essential reasons, which includes for work, but you must travel with proof of address. You cannot enter if you have been to an extreme risk zone outside of the cross-border area, or if you have COVID-19, any symptoms, or have been defined as a close contact by a state health authority.

If you are entering Victoria as a NSW cross-border community resident: Authorities ask you to stay within the Victorian cross-border area at all times.

If you are entering New South Wales as a Victorian cross-border community resident: Stay within the NSW cross-border area. If you travel beyond this area, you will not be allowed to enter Victoria unless you have an exemption, exception, transit permit or specified worker permit. More information on cross border communities can be found here.

NSW TrainLink service changes: Due to the Victorian border closure, NSW TrainLink services are not operating within Victoria. No supplementary coaches are being provided beyond Albury.

School buses not impacted: As regional schools are running with face-to-face learning, we are continuing to run our services along the border as normal.