Loophole Closed To Stop Sydneysiders

17 Aug 2021 health

A new permit system will be introduced by the NSW Government, requiring people to receive approval before travelling from Sydney to the Central Coast for particular reasons.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the permit system would limit people from travelling between a Sydney-based primary residence and a Central Coast-based holiday home.

“There have been too many Sydneysiders exploiting this loophole and potentially putting our region’s health and safety at risk,” Mr Crouch said.

“We are in the most critical phase of fighting COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Now is not the time for Sydneysiders to treat our community as a holiday destination.

“I have brought these significant concerns to Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s attention and thank her for ensuring our region remains as best-protected as possible.

“The permits will take effect on Saturday, 21 August and anyone who does not comply with the system or lies to authorities will cop a $5,000 on-the-spot fine.”

Permits will be accessible through Service NSW and will be required for:

  • Owners of second homes. Travelling from Sydney to a second home will only be allowed if the home is being used for work accommodation or if the home requires urgent maintenance and repairs. If so, only one person may travel.
  • Inspecting real estate. Travelling from Sydney to inspect a property will only be allowed if a person genuinely needs a home to live in. Inspecting a prospective investment property will not be allowed.
  • Authorised workers. Authorised workers from the Sydney LGAs of concern will now require a permit to travel to the Central Coast.

“The Police presence on arterial roads and backroads will be enhanced with the creation of random vehicle checkpoints, manned by 1,400 additional officers deployed to enforce the permit system as part of Operation Stay At Home,” Mr Crouch said.

“Any non-compliance will not be tolerated because it only takes one person doing the wrong thing for COVID-19 to rapidly spread.”

Central Coast residents are reminded to anonymously report suspected breaches of the Public Health Orders to Crime Stoppers at: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.