Sydneysiders will no longer be permitted to travel to the regions for family or fun under changes to the first stage of the NSW reopening roadmap.

A previous iteration of the three-stage plan would allow free movement for the fully vaccinated in and out of the Sydney metropolitan area at the 70 per cent vaccination milestone.

Now, travel will be only be allowed at 80 per cent fully-vaccinated, around a fortnight later.

Jim Wilson voiced frustration that the state government’s shifting goalposts will put the brakes on the “bleeding” regions’ economic recovery.

“Every second is precious for individuals and businesses right around our state.

“Why can’t I shake the feeling that the government and the Premier are leaving themselves just a bit more wiggle room?”

Press PLAY below to hear Jim’s comments in full

Byron Bay’s Bay Motel manager Michelle Visser told Jim she and other business owners in the area have been caught off-guard and left even more uncertain of their future.

“They might change it again to 90 per cent!

“You have this roadmap, you think ‘right, let’s just get to that point, let’s do a rough plan and a rough budget’ … and then they change the goalposts.

“If we don’t get open soon … it’s going to be dire for this little town.”

Moree Mayor Katrina Humphries told Jim she wasn’t surprised by the backflip, suspecting the decision was made because infrastructure won’t be ready in time.

“I don’t know that Service NSW has got the capacity to manage yet; we’ve been given nothing … as to how we’re meant to manage this.

“I don’t believe there’s any legislation to cover and protect small businesses from privacy claims.”

She demanded the government and Premier “stop telling fibs” which get regional communities’ hopes up, only to later dash them,

Press PLAY below to hear their responses in full

Image: Getty