Victoria’s business and holidaymakers frustrated as border permits cause traffic snarls and no-shows

Victoria’s cross-border communities are grappling with traffic snarls and confusion about border permits as they pursue a festive season recovery.

Murray River tourism operators are enjoying strong occupancy rates in the traditionally busy holiday period, but some businesses have found the reinstatement of border controls between Victoria and New South Wales an additional challenge after a difficult year.

David Kapay said his Wodonga restaurant was left almost half empty when about 30 people didn’t show up.

“You obviously write rosters and we’re a bit short of staff on the floor, so you go through all the stress of trying to build up the team for…