Gareth Ward, the Member for Kiama, is astounded by the news that the rules are going to be changed again to prevent day trips between Greater Sydney and regional LGAs (as reported yesterday News of extra travelling freedoms on Monday).

He was surprised when he found that changes to the Public Health Orders allowed the movement from Monday, and brought it to the attention of the Government.

“I made it clear to several ministerial offices that this was the interpretation that I had from the Public Health Orders, that it was quite clear and unambiguous [that day trips were allowed to and from Greater Sydney],” he says.

“The Government yesterday concurred with my interpretation, and they later confirmed it with media agencies that sought clarification.

“It wasn’t until this morning that we now hear from the Deputy Premier that apparently this is all changing.

“This is not good enough. The public want certainty.

“Lots of businesses were looking forward to getting back on their feet with the possible influx.”

The Government will be announcing its final changes on this later this morning, and it is assumed that movement between the regions and Greater Sydney will again happen once 80 per cent double vaccination is reached. This is expected to happen at the end of October.

While some feared the freedom of movement being brought forward, others were looking forward to catching up with friends and relatives and returning to their usual haunts to the north of the Minnamurra.