It’s taken almost two months, but NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has finally listened to the pleas of Hunter politicians Sonia Hornery and Tim Crakanthorp in closing travel loopholes.
NSW will enter a state-wide lockdown from 5pm on Saturday 14 August after reporting 466 new locally-acquired cases – including 13 in the Hunter New England Local Health District – of COVID-19 and four more deaths.
Seven of those positive results were in the Maitland LGA, four from Lake Macquarie LGA, with one each in the Cessnock and Singleton LGAs.
On the state’s worst day during the pandemic so far, Deputy Premier John Barilaro confirmed the “stay at home” orders would be introduced for all of regional NSW.
Unfortunately, that’s too little, too late, according to Wallsend local member Ms Hornery and her Newcastle counterpart Mr Crakanthorp.
“Following repeated requests for action, the Premier has today moved to belatedly protect Newcastle and the Hunter from the spread of COVID-19,” the latter said.
“From next week, permits will also be required to enter regional NSW whether it is for work, second home maintenance or to view real estate, after far too many cases of people using ‘legal movement reasons’ as excuses to travel.
“For several weeks, Sonia and I have been vocal about the imperative to tighten loopholes in the Public Health Orders, fearing an outbreak in the region.”
Mr Crakanthorp said it was disappointing it had taken Ms Berejiklian this long to hear what locals had been trying to tell her for ages.
“The Premier cannot claim ignorance about these issues; they have been raised with her over and over again,” he explained.
“This seems a lot like shutting the gate after the horse has bolted, but it’s better late than never.
“The message to Greater Sydney residents is clear – stay home and do not come to Newcastle unless it is absolutely essential.”
Ms Hornery said it was great the concerns of the community had finally been listened to.
“It was clear from the outset of this current lockdown period people were travelling from Sydney for any reason and without any real scrutiny,” she added.
“As a result, they ventured here and spread the virus throughout our community.
“This will now limit the movement of people and only allow those who are essential workers to travel here.”
Disappointingly, the $320 test and isolate payment has not been made available in the Hunter, but NSW Labor will fight for its expansion.
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