Sydney residents, including the Central Coast, now won't be able to travel to regional areas, including the Hunter until November 1.
Officials met on Thursday to discuss whether regional trips should be delayed due to concerns about lower vaccination rates in some areas.
Port Stephens and Upper Hunter Shire are the only local government areas across the Hunter which have passed 70 per cent double dose vaccinations. Cessnock is currently at 58.4 per cent, while Muswellbrook is at 56.5 per cent fully vaccinated. Byron Bay has the lowest vaccination rates in the state, currently sitting at 47.1 per cent.
Travel to the regions was due to be included in the freedoms unlocked at 80 per cent fully vaccinated, a target which could be met this weekend.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole is defending the delay, saying he understands the frustrations but there's a responsibility to keep the regions safe.
"We've still got very low vaccination rates. I've got some communities that have only got 47 per cent and I've got some areas that are only just into their early 50's.
"I'm sorry for all those people that have got their bags packed that want to go into regional communities. We want to welcome you back and I know that we want to get our communities buzzing and humming again," Mr Toole said.
