coolmunda dam with caravan

Camping in the region closes in response to COVID-19

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Lake Coolmunda camping grounds will close today in response to increased measures from the Queensland Government concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

The move follows yesterday’s announcement by the Palaszczuk Government to close all campgrounds in national parks, state forests and state managed recreation and protected areas.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region Graeme Scheu said it was the potential for gatherings of people that make the sites a risk to the public.

“It’s also places like shared toilets and showers that I think can pose an increased risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus,”

“The Premier has been very clear that people should cancel their Easter break plans this year and stay at home, and I would strongly recommend that all our residents follow that advice. In line with this, Council has also decided to close the Goondiwindi Town Common from Thursday 9 April 2020.” Cr Scheu said. 

Following reports of a sudden increase in interstate visitors passing through the region in the last few days since the Queensland Government announced the closure of the Queensland border, Council today inspected numerous camping reserves, truck stops and caravan parks. Cr Scheu has confirmed that those visitors appear to have moved on from the region.

While all non-essential interstate travel into the State is now restricted, the Queensland Police Service have released an online permit system for local border residents who need to cross the Queensland border. That system is now live and local residents are encouraged to apply: www.qld.gov.au/border-pass.

“I know just how hard it is for local businesses, especially after they’ve already been hit so hard by the drought,” Cr Scheu said.

“Unfortunately, we’re at the stage now where the health of our community is the number one priority and we need to do what we can to reduce the spread of this virus.”

 

For more information, please contact:
Councillor Graeme Scheu
Mayor
Goondiwindi Regional Council
Mobile: 0427 718 877
Email: mayor@grc.qld.gov.au

26th March 2020 at 12:00 AM