Regional Travel Opens to Greater Sydney

BY SIOBHAN HARVEY 

Hunter residents and their families can now travel between Sydney and the region, including the Central Coast. 

It follows months of uncertainty regarding travel rules with some parts of the Hunter being divided.

From today fully vaccinated people can travel in and out of regional NSW without have to quarantine, hospitality venues can operate at full capacity and international travel opens to returning residents. 

This comes as a result of the state reaching its November 1 roadmap milestone. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet has hailed it "a testament to the efforts and sacrifices that people have made" as the state begins to reopen. 

"Today is a day many people have been waiting for and our high vaccination rates have allowed us to re-open in a safe and considered way" Mr Perrottet said. 

"Families and friends across NSW can now get together as well as look forward to welcoming back  Australians who have been overseas trying to get home." 

After a number of closures, job losses and uncertainty, the easing of travel restrictions between Regional NSW and Sydney will boost regional tourism. 

"Today is great day for regional NSW. I know Sydneysiders are busting to head to the bush and we can't wait to welcome them back with open arms and for families and friends to get the chance to reunite," said Deputy Premier Paul Toole.

With the ease of restrictions NSW residents across the state will still need to comply with COVID-safe check-ins and provide proof of vaccination to staff in most settings. 

Photo: Daily Telegraph 

Greater Sydney travel to the regions pushed back to next month

BY JARROD MELMETH

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.

Newcastle airport's biggest ever year for passengers

BY JESSICA ROUSE

We're all being urged to Go Smarter and use our local airport after Newcastle Airport released their passenger results for the 2016/17 financial year.

The airport saw more than 1.25 million people use the airport, the best financial year number ever and a 6.6 per cent increase on the last figures.

There's no doubt the airport is a major contributor to the Hunter's growth and economy bringing people and businesses in and out of the area. Airlines are putting on more flights through Newcastle airport making Newcastle an ideal kick-off point for business and holiday travel.

"It is actually the smart choice. If you think about the other option of driving many hours down the M1 and risking traffic jams, it's just a lot smarter to use your own airport, you can park cheaply and close to the door, check in is great and we kind of understand people don't know you can do hubbing to international destinations," said airport CEO Dr Peter Cock.

The Go Smarter campaign launched last week highlights exactly what Dr Peter Cock explained - that the airport is easy, quick, smart and often more affordable for travel for locals for both international and domestic flights. The campaign aims to re-educate people of the Hunter about the flight options they have right in their backyard.

"We understand people don't know you can do hubbing to international destinations or you can fly internationally through at your own airport you just go via Melbourne or Brisbane and in many cases its actually quicker when you consider the whole journey including the travel down the M1, it's actually smarter to go from your local airport," said Dr Peter Cock.

Image newcastleairport.com.au