Goondiwindi Region prepares for border passes again

Goondiwindi Regional Council has been advised today that from tomorrow [1am Friday 23 July], a hard border closure between Queensland and New South Wales will again be in place.

The Queensland Government have re-established a border bubble for New South Wales border residents, however there are now detailed ‘permitted purposes’ for travel into Queensland.  Residents crossing the border are encouraged to visit the respective websites for the latest information and to complete the border passes – Queensland - https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/urgent-covid-19-update#nsw-border-zone

New South Wales - https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/border-restrictions

“We’ve heard the news today that Queensland will be closing its borders to all non-essential travel from New South Wales, from 1am tomorrow [Friday, 23 July],” said The Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM. 

“We know how this works and have been through this before – but this at least means we’re now mostly prepared to deal with the situation.   There are some changes this time around, we hope that for most residents it should be a smooth transition,” said the Mayor.

Goondiwindi Regional Council has already confirmed with Queensland Police Service (QPS) that our local electronic solution for the unmanned border crossing closures into our region will again be in place, these are expected to be functional today [Thursday 22 July]. 

Access via the unmanned crossings is strictly limited to approved residents. All other traffic must continue to enter the region via the manned police checkpoints.

Entry through the locked gates at the unmanned crossings is granted via a phone app, which only approved applicants with security codes will be able to open.  Those residents and businesses that have previously been approved through Council and QPS will automatically be reinstated.  Residents can still apply, however, approval will only be granted to those who are genuinely in need.  For further information please contact Council on 4671 7400.

“The advice from the Queensland Government today is that they are very concerned about the spread in other states, and 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.

• 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