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Byron Shire
April 27, 2024

Queensland border closed

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Queensland has shut it border to all non-essential traffic. Photo Jeff Dawson.

As of midnight last night border restrictions came into force on the NSW and Queensland border.

This has seen police stopping vehicles on the highway to question their reasons for crossing the boarder. Travellers and holidaymakers are either being turned away or having to commit to 14 days self-isolation.

Medical appointments, essential shopping, work, and freight transportation are some of the exceptions that will be allowed to cross the border.

Entry pass

An online portal has been launched for people to apply for a Queensland entry pass that we live this morning. The portal is designed for non-residents who have a need for essential travel into Queensland, relying upon an exemption category under the Chief Health Officer’s direction related to border crossing.

The Queensland state disaster coordinator deputy commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the community should avoid all non-essential cross-border travel.

‘The system went live with a soft launch last night. Applicants who are deemed eligible for an entry pass will be electronically issued a pass at the end of completing a short online form,’ said Mr Gollschewski.

‘The issued pass is print-at-home and applicants given instructions to display within their vehicle to enable priority passage.

‘Border restrictions apply to all travel to Queensland by air, sea, rail or road.

‘Essential food, supplies and services are being prioritised. The community can assist us by not trying to cross the border unless their travel is essential,’ he said.

Arrivals to Queensland from another state or territory must self-isolate for 14 days unless they are an exempt person.

Failure to comply with quarantine directions can result in penalties of up to $13,345 for individuals and $66,672.50 for corporations.

The website can be accessed at Queensland border pass.


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10 COMMENTS

  1. It’s the constitution. It’s Mabo. It’s justice. It’s the law. It’s the vibe….I rest my case.
    But what about Section 92? He screams!

  2. I’m heading up the border for an appointment at 1000h EST from the Tweed to Robina. I have the documentation for exemption to travel and I’m just wondering if anyone has travelled a similar route [preferably on the M1] at approx. the time of 0900 – 1030h EDST? from the border… if so, what delays am I looking at?

  3. Stick to the M1 Pacific Highway. Police will pull you up but it’s a lot less painful than alternatives.
    I went up yesterday morning just after 6.00AM Qld and chose the Gold Coast Highway route.
    So did just about everyone else pouring out of Southern Gold Coast and Northern NSW yesterday morning.
    Traffic ground to a complete halt before the Southern Cross University and Gold Coast Airport as the Qld Police had the Station street bridge exit at Tugan (exit 95) on to the M1 locked down and traffic attendants were only letting small groups of vehicle through (5-10) at a time.
    No one way being questioned. But there was a heap of top Qld Police brass on the bridge. Must have been some type of test??
    Anyway it though an hour to this way to finally be allowed on to the M1 via the Tugan exit.
    Probably would have been mush quicker to travel up to Burleigh on the Gold Coast highway that try to swing back on to the M1 at Tugan.

  4. Last weekend there were hordes of Queenslanders filling the Brunswick caravan parks. The AirBnBs seem to be doing fine too. Busloads of people arriving in Byron. People choosing to do their self-isolation in beautiful Byron Shire where the beaches are long and not closed. Should NSW close the border to Queensland holidaymakers? Just wondering..

  5. My friends arrived in Cairns on Thursday expecting to self isolate for 14 days. They were told by AFP police at the airport that it was not required.
    Mixed messages

  6. UK citizens trying to get home. Visiting daughter in Lennox Head NSW. Got flight home from Brisbane April 9th – will we be allowed across the border?

  7. I live in Surfers Paradise and my Eye Specialists works 300 metres over the border in NSW. I usually take the #700 bus. I have an appointment in 3 weeks. Do I need permission to enter NSW, then return to Qld? Where do I find out this information?

  8. My partner is wanting to move back to Victoria, as he has been layed off in Toowoomba due to cov19.
    Can get go through boarders?

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