NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is now saying she expects to re-open the Victorian border within weeks rather than months.
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Having last week not committed to unlocking the frontier before Christmas, the state leader hinted on Monday she was looking to move on the removal of checkpoints sooner than later.
Ms Berejiklian said there were discussions occurring based on how a two-week monitoring period by NSW will apply with Victoria set to remove its Melbourne ring of steel from midnight on Sunday.
"Now that Victoria is down to zero or a just handful of community transmissions a day that gives us pause to reflect on when that two-week period starts for us and of course we'll base that on health advice," Ms Berejiklian said.
"But I certainly wanted to give the signal to the people of NSW that we're talking weeks not months in terms of when the Victorian border may come down, but that again is based on health advice.
"I think it is important to allow people to plan ahead, it's important for our airline sector, it's important for people who rely on hospitality and tourism to consider what the future may hold.
"That's why, without pre-empting any future decisions, it could be weeks not months in terms of the NSW-Victoria border opening."
IN OTHER NEWS
Ms Berejiklian's comments yesterday follow Queensland Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk being re-elected at the weekend.
NSW's leader says she has sent a congratulatory message and hopes to speak to Ms Palaszczuk about opening the Queensland border to Sydneysiders as well as regional residents south of the Tweed River.
Ms Palaszcuk announced on Friday that country NSW citizens will be able to enter Queensland from 1am on Melbourne Cup day.
