According to NSW Health if you live in one of the Northern NSW border communities and need to go to Queensland and then come back into NSW you are required to go into 14 days isolation. For many who work across the border, are collecting people from the airport or attending a medical appointment it is causing significant confusion and stress.
Both local Labor MP Justine Elliot and Liberal Tweed Shire Councillor James Owen are calling on the NSW and QLD State Governments to work together to simplify the system for the Northern NSW border community, in light of the latest COVID-19 border restriction announcements.
‘This bungled bureaucratic nightmare has caused mass confusion amongst North Coast residents. Locals are outraged that the NSW Government has brought in these confusing measures that makes their lives even harder,’ said Mrs Elliott in a press release.
‘Currently, the NSW entry Border Pass requires that a new form be completed every 24 hours while a Queensland entry Border Pass is required only every 14 days.
‘The NSW Government has also mandated that if you get a NSW entry border pass you must follow the stay-at-home orders in NSW for 14 days since you left Queensland. This 14 day resets EVERY TIME you return to NSW.’
Call for Qld NSW border bubble
The border pass arrangements came into force from 12.01am on Wednesday 30 June for anyone who has been in the Northern Territory, Queensland, or Western Australia.
‘How anyone is expected to keep up with all this is beyond me – it is so confusing,’ said Mr Owen.
‘I note that those in the NSW/VIC border region are exempt from completing a declaration if they reside in the NSW/VIC border region and only travel within that region. I am calling on the NSW Government to implement a similar exemption for the NSW/QLD border region.
‘Living in a border community has never been harder or more confusing. We need clear, concise and consistent information that is easy to understand.’
Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19
Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need
Eighteen schools in the Northern Rivers division of Richmond have received $25,000 each as part of the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund, Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said last week.
COVID-19 pandemic has cut life expectancy globally
COVID-19 reversed earlier trends toward longer life expectancies. During the pandemic, life expectancies globally dropped by 1.6 years according to a new study published in the Lancet medical journal.
COVID-19 update for New South Wales
Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day.
Five graphs you need to see before the Global Carbon Budget...
The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing.
Public transport mask mandate to end
Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September.
NSW Police: be COVID-vigilant at Splendour in the Grass
SW Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures.
COVID-19 update for the NNSWLHD – May 23
The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that to 4pm yesterday, Sunday May 22, there were 40 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU.
AEC says COVID voters can phone from home
The AEC says that voters who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to phone in their vote in the federal election.
COVID-19 update: May 16
The Northern NSW Local Health District says that to 4pm yesterday, 15 May, 384 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the District, including 82 positive PCR tests and 302 positive rapid antigen tests.
It’s National Volunteer Week
Volunteering Australia says volleys are the backbone of the country in times of crisis and emergency.
Many in Northern NSW have dickhead 19. Authorities should take this into account when decision making.
Amazing but not surprising how State Member Geoff Provest is incredibly silent at the moment.
When are you going to do something productive and intelligent for your constituents. Fix the border issue your government has created now.
Rapid testing would put many people at ease, waiting 24 hours for test results is like waiting for a telegram when email exists.
Maybe it just about Medicare subsidies to the states. We are the only developed country in the world not using them, why?
A Typical political b—–up where overpaid minions get to make fathomlessly stupid decisions and incumbent local members bleat but remain impotent.