The border checkpoint at Timbillica, south of Eden, is running smoothly and will be in place for the foreseeable future.
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The checkpoint is part of the national response to border crossings between NSW and Victoria, working to minimise the spread of COVID-19.
Superintendent Greg Moore, South Coast Commander of Police NSW said the checkpoint will, "remain in place indefinitely, until the risk of coronavirus has abated".
"Since the operation commenced, the public have shown tremendous understanding and tolerance of any inconvenience, which we would like to acknowledge," Superintendent Moore said when ACM visited the checkpoint on Wednesday.
"We encourage people to go online and be aware of criteria on the Service NSW website, as they could be disappointed if they are turned back."
Equipped with a mobile police station from Batemans Bay, some computers and a meal room, the Australia Defence Force (ADF) and NSW Police personnel, of which there are an equal number, coordinate the checkpoint 24/7, in three shifts.
"The ADF have been of great assistance and we're very appreciative of their support, also throughout the bushfire disaster.
"Roads and Maritime Services have assisted greatly with set up of the site and traffic services."
Officers working at the checkpoint have been made aware they are coming in to a bushfire affected area and are supporting local businesses wherever possible.
They have also been issued with cold climate uniforms.
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"People are thankful we are doing what we're doing, everyone is on board and happy we are here, they want this to end as soon as possible," Senior Constable Matt Tracey, a highway patrol officer from Bankstown currently working at the checkpoint said.
He indicated that the tightening of eligibility for border crossings on July 22 had quietened traffic, with about a third as many motorists on Wednesday than Tuesday.
"We've turned away some without permits, they're obviously not happy having to go back but still understood - no angry customers so to speak," he said.
Senior Constable Brad Ross from Bega reaffirmed police were there to assist and this was not an enforcement issue.
"Health of the NSW population to date indicates this effort is aiding to keep the community safe."
High-vis operation for safe border crossings
The NSW Police Force is reminding the community that new border restrictions are in place and only valid permit holders will be allowed to enter NSW from Victoria.
All permits approved under the previous order expired on Tuesday and anyone eligible to travel into NSW must apply for a new permit on the Service NSW website.
A high-visibility operation remains in place, with police from across NSW working alongside Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to facilitate safe and lawful crossings along the border.
Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte said their best advice is not to travel unless it's essential, but for those who must travel, they can help reduce overall delays by avoiding peak times.
He added that being prepared to produce documentation and identification will assist in reducing interaction times at checkpoints.
"If you don't have a permit, don't come to the border. You will be turned around and if you don't comply, we will take action."
More information about the restrictions is available here
