Mayor Peta Pinson and council CEO Dr Clare Allen have written to the NSW Government, conveying the community's frustration and opposition to the travel exemption that allows Greater Sydney residents to visit regional areas to inspect property.
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Positive COVID cases entering the region have increased the risk for residents and heightened uncertainty and frustration for local businesses with more than 20 venues of concern and two locally acquired cases in Port Macquarie prompting a seven-day return to stay at home orders for the entire LGA.
"This lockdown - in the second week of the school holidays and over a long weekend - is devastating for our residents, visitors to the area, and local businesses," mayor Pinson said.
"Our community has done the right thing in complying with COVID-19 restrictions and vaccination messages, with no locally transmitted cases for well over a year - but that's now been undone by the actions of one person from outside the area."
Dr Allen said that concerns have been raised over the past few days.
"Since the stay-at-home order was implemented, many residents have contacted myself and the mayor to voice their concerns," she said.
Mayor Pinson said that it is important to continue to look out for each other's safety and wellbeing during this difficult time.
"Our community is hurting right now; my heart is breaking at some of the messages I've received about the impact of this lockdown on families and businesses," she said.
"We've heard and referred your concerns that the permit system is a loophole. This needs to be closed to protect communities such as ours from further incidents.
"In the meantime, please keep following the health advice; get vaccinated, come forward for testing where required, and help keep our region safe."
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