Regional Development Victoria (RDV)and Agriculture Victoria are to deploy a team of locally based ‘Border Brokers’ to support people impacted by restrictions on Victoria’s borders with New South Wales and South Australia.
In a statement, RDV said towns split by State borders were used to living as one community and, as a result, the local industries and businesses had unique needs.
The Agency said local solutions to the impacts of border restrictions were required and the Border Brokers would work alongside Victoria’s Cross Border Commissioner.
“The team will include eight brokers who will work in the Hume, Gippsland, Loddon Mallee, Grampians and Barwon South West regions, which have all been impacted by ongoing restrictions on their respective borders,” RDV said.
“This team will ensure locals have a key contact to advocate on their behalf and will support businesses, industries and industry groups to address issues and challenges,” it said.
“Border Brokers will work across State and local Governments and with chambers of commerce, key agricultural stakeholders, industry, regional tourism boards and community groups to identify and triage issues.”
RDV said the team would address challenges such as the management of workforce impacts and would provide support to ensure the supply of necessary goods and services to local businesses.
