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Queensland Health responds to the pleas of Goondiwindi Region border zone residents

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Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Councillor Lawrence Springborg AM welcomes today’s update from the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath MP.

The Minister has confirmed in her press conference today:

  • The Moree Plains Shire LGA remains a restricted border zone
  • However for FULLY VACCINATED residents of Tulloona, Boomi, Boggabilla, Toomelah, Mungindi and Garah, from 1am Monday 13 December, these residents will be exempt from the ‘restricted border zone’ conditions and instead bound by the same conditions as the non-restricted border zone.

Cr Springborg said “The Minister, with the support of the Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Peter Aitken and Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Lynne McKinlay, have positively responded to my request to reconsider the unique nature of regional border towns and nearby communities.

“Whilst we acknowledge there will be some residents and businesses still impacted, today’s announcement makes a significant difference to so many in the broader Goondiwindi Region community.

“I have been involved in some difficult conversations in recent days, but I want to thank the Minister, Dr Aitken and Dr McKinlay for today’s update and change.  I understand the challenges for the Queensland government in finding a balance between limiting the spread of this virus and opening up Queensland now that the state has reached over 80% of the population double vaccinated.  I am thankful that we’ve been able to work towards a more practical solution.

“I look forward to Monday morning when we can again see more local residents back at work and in our main streets, and most importantly spending time with loved ones. 

“To the Goondiwindi Region and Moree Plains residents, I also want to say that without your strong uptake of the COVID vaccination we wouldn’t be able to make such an effective case to the Queensland government.

“It’s also important to note, that the last few days have been a reminder to all, particular those on the New South Wales side of the border, that an increase in positive cases in communities can still result in further restrictions.  Only two days ago there were still over 30 active cases in Moree. It is therefore essential that you are double vaccinated, are appropriately cautious and getting tested as soon as you have symptoms,” he said.

The Queensland Government Border Restrictions Direction (No 56) is yet to be updated with this latest information.  Council encourages locals to stay informed and visit the following sites for further information once available:

11th December 2021 at 12:00 AM