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COVID-19 response sees temporary reduction in
Queensland long-haul travel

On Monday 30 March, long haul train and coach
services within Queensland were reduced as part of
wider efforts to contain COVID-19.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said
rural and regional communities would continue to have access
to transport for essential travel under the changes.
“Right now, people should not be travelling on coaches or trains
across Queensland unless they have an essential reason to,” Mr
Bailey said.
“Essential reasons are things like getting to work or to a medical
appointment.
“The Queensland border is now closed and we’re already seeing
drops in patronage of up to 60 per cent on buses and trains as
people stay home.
Rail services, The Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane to Longreach),
Westlander (Brisbane to Charleville) and Inlander (Townsville
to Mount Isa) services have been suspended along with
Savannahlander, Gulflander and Kuranda Scenic Railway.
XPT trains between Sydney and Brisbane operated by NSW Business closures and restrictions
Trains are terminating in Casino and will not enter Queensland.
North Coast Line (Brisbane to Cairns) passenger rail services will To slow the spread of Coronavirus, some businesses
be reduced by about 50 per cent. have been required to close or limit their operations.
Long distance coach services will be reduced, and will replace Activities have been restricted and non-essential
rail services in areas where corresponding rail services have businesses right across Australia are now required
been suspended. to stop operating or operate under new restrictions until further
Mr Bailey said decisions would be made to restore services as notice.
soon as it was safe to do so. National Cabinet has agreed that these activities must stop:
• Non-essential international travel is banned
• Beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons and tattoo
parlours closed
• Weddings are limited to five people including the couple,
the celebrant and two witnesses
• Funerals can have no more than ten mourners
• Auction houses and indoor auctions closed
• Amusement parks and arcades closed
• Indoor and outdoor play centres closed
• Health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities,
saunas, wellness centres, indoor boot camps closed
• Personal training limited to maximum 10 people
• Social, sports-based activities, swimming pools
• Galleries, museums, national institutions, historic sites,
libraries, community centres, community facilities such as
halls and PCYCs closed
• Food courts in shopping centres can only serve takeaway
• Cafés limited to takeaway, as announced on Sunday
• Cinemas, nightclubs, casinos, gambling venues, adult
entertainment venues, concert venues, stadiums closed

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