The River Fish and Chip Co in Wahgunyah was left devastated by the decision to completely shut John Foord bridge after the New South Wales Government closed the border amid Victoria’s growing number of COVID-19 cases.
Chef of the popular Wahgunyah eatery, Simon Bartel, said the bridge was a vital link between Corowa and Wahgunyah and closing it was an impulsive move by the NSW Government.
“I do not understand the reasoning for shutting the bridge completely. It is a major connection between the two towns. They have not considered how important it is for the locals, especially the older people that don’t drive,” Mr Bartel told The Free Press.
The impact of the bridge closure was felt immediately with Mr Bartel saying the decline in customers was disheartening.
“As soon as they shut the bridge, it affected our business straight away. There was no one around and no traffic. The locals in town were still trying to support us, but we definitely needed that passing trade,” Mr Bartel said.
Last week proved to be difficult for Mr Bartel, who was throwing away leftover food at the end of each day.
“I make everything fresh every day, so all our salads are usually sold by the afternoon. Now I’m throwing them out every night, and it is heartbreaking,” Mr Bartel said.
“We are taking a break because we just cannot afford to run at a loss every day, and we aren’t making enough to cover wages.
“I have no issue with the border being shut, but they should be letting traffic through. People just don’t want to drive around the long way. I would be the same, to be honest.”
Wahgunyah Progress Association’s immediate past president Alan Pleitner said a better arrangement could be put in place to help support Wahgunyah businesses.
“It is just stupidity. Our businesses are struggling as there was much patronage from Corowa residents before the closure,” Mr Pleitner told The Free Press.
“Instead of completely shutting John Foord bridge, we could have a sticker affixed to the windscreens of cars, which would be checked by security. A similar method worked in the past with fruit fly checkpoints.
“Politicians don’t seem to understand our situation or our town.”
The River Fish and Chip Co will plan to reopen July 29.