Politicians and businesses in regional NSW say they are fed up with blanket coronavirus restrictions across the state, with many areas not having seen a case of community transmission for more than 12 months. Key points Federal Labor MP Kristy McBain is calling on the Victorian government to change its approach to the “border bubble” Bega Valley Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick says regional businesses are getting hit hard by metropolitan COVID-19 outbreaks He says there needs to be more certainty for regional businesses Regional businesses are under mounting financial pressure as Victoria extends its statewide lockdown for another week, and New South Wales continues to grapple with its growing outbreak in Greater Sydney. Labor MP for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain says changes need to be made for COVID-19 free regional communities across Australia. “Far too often we’re tarred with the brush of our metropolitan counterparts,” Ms McBain said. “As long as that health threat isn’t in our area and as long as we’re following the health advice then our communities shouldn’t be suffering.” Catch up on the latest COVID-19 news here Cross-border communities are calling for different measures to be put in place when state borders are shut due to COVID-19 outbreaks. Kate Aubrey Call to make the rules clearer Currently, all of New South Wales and the ACT is a red zone under Victoria’s travel permit system, but there is some leeway for cross-border communities. According to the Victorian government, cross-border community members can enter Victoria if they have not left the border bubble region in the previous 14 days. However, Mayor of the Bega Valley Shire Russell Fitzpatrick said there was too much confusion surrounding the rules. “It would just be better if it was a lot clearer,” Cr Fitzpatrick said. “If we could have more of an openness to move around and more certainty for our businesses and our community.” Find more local news Browse for your location and find more local and information Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick says locals need more clarity around the border bubble arrangements. He said too many residents on the NSW South Coast continued to be hit by outbreaks outside of the region, usually in metropolitan areas. “Most of our tourist operators have had constant cancellations as soon as the requirements change,” Cr Fitzpatrick said. “If we had a green zone with Victoria and had our border bubble it would have been much better for regional Victoria and for ourselves.” The Department of Health and Human Services Victoria has been contacted for comment. Read our full coverage on COVID-19 here Loading…