A WHIRLWIND is the only way to describe the current COVID-19 pandemic which is currently gripping our Victorian neighbours.
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But to be fair it isn't just affecting Victoria. For people who live in the Riverina and southern NSW this border closure and lock-down is frighteningly real but necessary for the sake of public health.
For those in those in the agricultural industry news started circulating at the Corowa sheep and lamb sale on Monday that the border would be closed.
Initially it wasn't cause for alarm. Those in the industry believed that commonsense would prevail.
This is something that affects our primary producers, livestock agents, buyers and carriers.
There are also plenty of rural properties in the region that cross the border with land on both sides.
Driving from one side to the other is something that many people do several times a day and it doesn't even rate a thought.
In fact, other than some signage there is often no tangible indication to show that you are in Victoria or NSW.
But now the health of Australia is on the line. Literally. That border which runs between Victoria and NSW is set to provide a barrier to prevent the spread of what commentators are quickly calling a second wave of coronavirus.
After enjoying somewhat of a reprieve from the coronavirus concerns in this area we are now back to gripping social media feeds and watching commentators on the television to gain the latest insights.
Who is making the decisions? Is it a state government issue? Will the federal government intervene? What kind of leadership will we see and how will it affect agriculture, which was labelled at the outset of this pandemic as an essential service?
The Rural has been contacted by people who work on both sides of the border.
Interestingly some were able to obtain permits with relative ease. However, traffic bank ups were reported on Wednesday morning.
- www.therural.com.au