United approach to border checkpoint management

Published on 03 February 2021

Local agencies, including Gannawarra Shire Council, united during the past six weeks to support efforts to implement COVID-19 border measures.

Victoria Police members worked tirelessly between 21 December 2020 and 29 January 2021 patrolling Victoria-New South Wales border checkpoints at Koondrook and Murrabit, supported behind the scenes by Council staff and local businesses.

As a member of the multi-agency Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee, Council assisted Victoria Police members in its efforts to maintain the two border checkpoints located in the municipality, setting up shelter and lighting at both sites within 24 hours of the border measures being announced.

“Council staff were pleased to play a role to ensure Victoria Police members were protected from the elements during the six-week period,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Whether it was erecting temporary structures to provide shade, lighting to illuminate either site or being on-call to repair and replace equipment, Council played a vital role during this unique period.”

Local business operators also played a vital role, providing meals for Victoria Police members on-duty and accommodation for those who not from the area who were stationed in the Gannawarra whilst the border checkpoint was in place.

“Victoria Police members were the face of the border checkpoint program, but it was a united effort between the Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria Police, local government and businesses,” Gannawarra Shire Council’s Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator, Acting Senior Sergeant Andrew Neil said.

“Council staff and community members who supported our members during the past six weeks are our unsung heroes in making the border checkpoint happen, and we are grateful for that assistance.”

ABOVE: Darren Ridgway (left), Pam Pearson, Acting Senior Sergeant Andrew Neil, Sergeant Rod Hardy, Brenton Hall and Leading Senior Constable Tania Peters at the Koondrook border checkpoint.