Mayor’s Statement – Moree Venues Listed As COVID Exposure Venues

Goondiwindi Regional Council is concerned about what appears to be a flagrant breach of COVID Hotspot protocols and unauthorised access to Queensland.  This breach potentially puts not only Goondiwindi Region residents, but also Queenslanders in general at risk, as well as our friends across the border in NSW.

While of course I have concern for the staff and patrons of Goondiwindi McDonald's which were visited by the infected couple, I am particularly concerned by the potential of infection caused by the extended period of time that the couple spent in Moree.

Queensland Health is conducting COVID testing at the Goondiwindi Hospital and is in the process of establishing a vaccination clinic for Goondiwindi.

Our cross border communities have extensive interactions on a daily basis.  If you have been to any one of the Exposure Venues, Moree or elsewhere, and are now in Queensland, it is a requirement that you follow Queensland Health directions.  This means you must:

• immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine
• complete the online contact tracing form (link below).  If you are unable to complete the contact tracing form please call 134 COVID (134 268).
• get tested at the earliest opportunity

COVID Tracing Form link and full list of NSW exposure venues  - https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing

After you complete the contact tracing form you will be contacted by Queensland Health with further information.

Our community has been very vigilant in following recommended protocols, which has seen our community remain COVID free since the pandemic began in early 2020.

Council is advising locals regardless of whether you have been in close contact or not, to follow standard Queensland Health advice, including monitoring for symptoms, testing, isolation and vaccination. 

This act of apparent selfishness has not only inconvenienced our community, but put us all at risk and reinforces the need for constant vigilance and compliance with health advice.