You might need to put any plans for holidaying in Victoria on hold, because the border to Victoria is about to be closed for the first time in 100 years. 

As of 12.01am, Wednesday, July 8 no one can enter NSW from Victoria, unless they can fulfill specific exemption criteria.

The NSW Police Force are launching a large-scale operation to enforce the closure of the NSW/Victorian border tonight, under Public Health (COVID-19 NSW and Victorian Border) Order 2020.

At present, the border is closed to those from Victorian ‘hotspot’ postcodes, with the entire greater Melbourne area now deemed a hotspot.

NSW Police will deploy 650 police officers to support local police in patrolling the border closure. 

Police will also be assisted by the Australian Defence Force – with 350 personnel to be deployed from Thursday, July 9.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said that as always, safety remains the top priority.

“The aim of this operation is to keep NSW safe – the broader NSW community, as well as NSW Police officers and operation support personnel,” he said.

“I know this closure will inconvenience many on both sides of the border, but the dangers and flow-on effects that accompany a second wave of COVID-19 are not something we want to see for our state.

“We anticipate the first 72 hours will be challenging, so we ask the community to be patient and work with us. Importantly, if you don’t need to cross the border, don’t.”

There are 54 border crossings within five Police Districts across two Police Regions which will require both static and mobile policing strategies.

Of the 54 crossings, 34 have been prioritised into three categories (A, B, C) depending on the traffic flow, location and characteristics, while the remaining 20 crossings are tracks and trails.

The six category ‘A’ locations – which are the main crossings – are:

Wodonga Place, South Albury

Hume Hwy, South Albury

Cobb Hwy, Moama

Newell Hwy, Tocumwal

Sturt Hwy, Buronga

Princes Hwy, Tambillica

Police will also continue to assist NSW Health at Sydney Airport and regional airports with the screening of passengers arriving from Victoria, who have exemptions under the Public Health Act.

Travellers who are departing from or arriving at airports in NSW are urged to adhere to the directions of airline staff, airport security, and NSW Health practitioners/officers.

The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Helath Orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.

The standard penalty will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).

Anyone wishing to travel into NSW will need to apply for an exemption online via Service NSW.