Goondiwindi Region prepares for border passes again

Goondiwindi Regional Council has been advised that from 1am Monday 28 June, all movements from New South Wales into Queensland will require a border pass to enter.

It is Council’s understanding that border residents from both Queensland and New South Residents will require a pass, and these will last for a 14-day period unless the individual’s circumstance changes which requires an updated pass.

At the time of this media release, Council has not received a request to implement hard border closures, however Queensland Police are actively out and about checking that those crossing into Queensland have a border pass and have not been to a hotspot.

The Queensland government had previously announced an exemption for residents on the NSW-Queensland border, but this will change from 1am on Monday morning.  “In effect, from Monday there is no bubble,” said the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM.

To apply for a border pass, visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/queensland-travel-declaration

“I strongly encourage all residents to continue to practise the recommended hygiene practices and health protocols. This includes always checking in to venues via the Check In Qld app, and importantly, seriously considering vaccination.” Cr Springborg said.

Darling Downs Health (DDH) are holding a Pfizer vaccination super clinic at the Goondiwindi Hospital for people aged 16 and over from today until Thursday 1 July, 8.30am - 4pm (including Saturday and Sunday). Residents must register before attending the DDH clinic at www.vaccinebookings.health.qld.gov.au/registerforvaccination. For more information about vaccine availability, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/darlingdowns/coronavirus or phone 07 4699 8384 during office hours.  COVID-19 vaccinations are also currently available at medical centres in the Goondiwindi Region and residents can talk to their health provider about what option is best for them.

“The Goondiwindi Region services thousands of people from across both sides of the border, and locals absolutely need to be able to cross into Queensland to run their businesses, do their shopping, collect mail and access medical and essential services,” he said. “We’re at the stage now where unfortunately we have been through this a few times before – but this at least means we’re now very prepared to deal with the situation, we all know the drill at this point and for most residents it should be a fairly smooth transition back to the border pass system.”

• For more information about current Queensland border restrictions, please visit: www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/border-restrictions