There is overwhelming delight from accommodation and hospitality venues at the news that the Victorian border will open on November 23 after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement on Wednesday morning.
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Ms Berejiklian said she wanted to give families, businesses and airlines the time to make plans.
"We need to keep moving forward as we live with COVID-19. I have confidence that everyone will continue to work hard to keep everyone safe," Ms Berejiklian said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said that it was significant for regional NSW especially the southern areas.
However from November 23 the use of QR codes at all hospitality venues will be compulsory with per square metre rules remaining at 4sqm inside and 2sqm outside, per person.
Manager at the Eden Visitor Information Centre (EVIC) Clair Mudaliar said it was "wonderful news".
"We are ecstatic about the border opening and being able to welcome back our visitors from Victoria. We need them more than ever," Ms Mudaliar said.
The EVIC is co-ordinating the response to the closure of the wharf building and organising multiple food vans to offer coffee, ice-cream and particularly traditional fish and chips at the wharf during the summer period.
Jodie Dunnage, of Ollie Mason's Cafe and Wine Bar was delighted with the news
"Bring it on - it's fantastic that they're opening up the border," she said. Her only concern is one shared by many other hospitality venues along the coast, that of staff.
"We would like to open seven days a week but for that we need more staff," Ms Dunnage said. She recently hired two staff but still needs another two.
For Michelle Rose at Heritage House accommodation the news was just in time. Faced with a number bookings from Victorian customers she had given herself until next week to resolve what to do with their bookings if no announcement on the border was made.
"I was going to make a decision at the end of next week. This is great, Victorians need the break but we do have to be mindful and continue on the road we've gone so far," Ms Rose said.
At Eden Beachfront Holiday Park Jason Ferguson said they were already fully booked for Christmas and New Year, mainly with Victorians, and had been preparing for it.
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