Unlimited intra-state travel a great win for regional business

The Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce welcomes the major easing of covid-19 restrictions that has opened up unlimited travel throughout the entire state of Queensland from 1 June.  

Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce President Clive Quartermaine said he appreciates the Palaszczuk government’s responsiveness to the calls from business groups across Queensland to lift travel restrictions before the school holidays.  

“While Goondiwindi region’s business will remain heavily affected by the closed border, the opening up of internal state travel will be welcome locally, and is a pivotal step in resuscitating our economy,” he said. 

“Also welcome news is the easing of patron numbers at restaurants, cafes and pubs, as well as allowances for larger venues.” 

Clive Quartermaine said that if ongoing low COVID-19 numbers continue, the Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce will be lobbying that the state government re-assess its September border-opening date.

“As a border region, many of our businesses heavily rely on inter-state visitors. Re-opening the borders sooner rather than later will be critical to our economic recovery. 

“The Federal government is working towards allowing travel to New Zealand and the Pacific from July 1, yet there are no plans to open Queensland's border before September,” he said. 

“We support a step-by-step process where health and safety are a priority, but the government must continue to be adaptable, just as our businesses have proven to be.

“Let's not let a lack of responsiveness to the unfolding conditions stand in the way of our region's long-term economic recovery.”