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Queensland Borders Shut To Slow Virus Spread

At midnight on 25th March, for the first time in more
than a century, Queensland restricted access at
its border.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was essential to slow the
spread of Coronavirus on the advice of the Chief Health Officer.
“Extra-ordinary times call for extra-ordinary measures,” the
Premier said.
“They are (these measures) to stop holidaymakers leaving
southern states and risking the spread of this virus through
Queensland.”
Exemptions include:
• Freight
• Emergency vehicles
• Emergency workers
• Those travelling to and from work
• Court orders including family court
• Compassionate grounds
• Medical treatment
Anyone travelling to Queensland, not usually resident in
Queensland, for any other reason will have to agree to self-
isolate for 14 days sick or not. Penalties include fines of up Campgrounds close in response to Coronavirus
to $13,345. outbreak
The Queensland/New South Wales border last closed at the end The Queensland Government announced on 25th
of World War One to contain the Spanish flu.
The Premier said, “The better the community observed measures March, the temporary closure of all campgrounds
in national parks, state forests and state managed
to restrict travel, avoid personal contact and stay in their homes
recreation and protected areas.
and suburbs, the sooner the virus spread could be contained.” “As the Easter school break approaches, closure of the
“Do not go on holidays. Do not travel unless absolutely
necessary.” campgrounds will help protect the health and safety of campers,
the wider community as well as Queensland Park and Wildlife
Service (QPWS) rangers and staff,” Minister for Environment and
the Great Barrier Reef, Leeanne Enoch said.
“The Premier has been very clear that Queenslanders should
cancel their Easter break plans and stay close to home.
“The nature of the shared facilities in campgrounds, like toilets
and showers, is a significant concern in the current circumstances.
“There are around 470 camping areas in Queensland’s parks
and forests and QPWS rangers will immediately be contacting
members of the public who are currently at camp sites, and
those who have booked a site.
“This includes camping areas at K’gari (Fraser Island), Inskip
Point, Cooloola Coast, Moreton Bay Islands, and all other national
parks and forests across the state where camping is permitted.
National parks in Cape York are already closed to the public.”
Day-use areas, tracks and trails will remain open at this stage and
social distancing rules will still apply.
People who have camp sites booked will receive a full refund for
unused camping permits.
For more information please go to:
www.des.qld.gov.au