Mayor welcomes news of lifted restrictions for Goondiwindi Region

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM  has welcomed the news that Goondiwindi will no longer be declared a COVID-19 Restricted Area from midday today.

Queensland Health announced the lifting of the declaration via its social media channels this morning [Thursday, 18 November]. The change means that there will no longer be visitor restrictions for the region’s hospitals and aged care facilities. It also means that Goondiwindi Region residents are also free to visit facilities elsewhere in Queensland. 

“It’s imperative that we are able to visit and support our loved ones, whether they be in a local hospital or a resident of Kaloma, particularly in the lead up to the festive season,” Mayor Springborg said.

“This latest announcement is another testament to the strong vaccination rates of our community, which has meant these restrictions for our most at-risk residents have only needed to be in place for a short time.”

Queensland Health declared the Goondiwindi Regional Council Local Government Area a COVID-19 Restricted Area on Friday, 5 November, following a number of local positive cases that were linked to super-spreading gatherings in Moree.

There has still been no unexplained or unlinked community transmission in Goondiwindi to date, and Cr Springborg said he is continuing to advocate for more freedoms to be granted to double-vaccinated residents from the New South Wales side of the border.

“A huge percentage of our community from northern New South Wales have done the right thing in getting double-vaccinated, and yet are still being prevented from accessing work or school,” he said. “I am continuing to advocate on their behalf - they should have the same social reward for their diligence and preparedness as residents in Queensland.”

The announcement comes as Kaloma Home for the Aged commences another round of booster shots for its staff, with some now getting their third jab for the year.

Council understands that about 95% of Kaloma residents are also triple vaccinated.

The Kaloma Director of Nursing Tenneille Aguilar is encouraging families to visit their loved ones, but to please stay away if they feel unwell in any way.

“In order to maintain the safety of our residents, we are asking that loved ones with even the slightest of symptoms refrain from visiting our facility until they are feeling well again,” Ms Aguilar explained.

Council is reminding Goondiwindi Region residents to remain cautious and to get tested if they experience any symptoms, no matter how mild.

Testing at Goondiwindi Hospital requires you to call ahead on 4578 2400, bring your phone charger, water and medications - there may be a wait.  Testing is available from 8 am -4.30 pm, but if you need emergency care and you have COVID-19 symptoms call ahead for assistance.  For additional testing locations, visit: www.qld.gov.au/covid19testing