It’s been a while but the QLD and NSW borders are set to slowly reopen following encouraging COVID-19 numbers. 

The borders between QLD and NSW has been closed since August following a second outbreak of COVID-19 in Victoria and subsequent implementation of movement restrictions.

But after weeks of improving case numbers – zero cases were recorded in the state on Thursday, September 22nd – Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that QLD will slowly reopen some borders to NSW local government areas.

In a press conference on Tuesday, September 22nd, Palazszczuk announced that QLD’s border zone will expand from 1am on Thursday, October 1st, to include the Bryon, Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Glen Innes council areas.

This extended border zone will include 41 NSW postcodes spanning 11 local government areas.

While residents from the five aforementioned NSW council areas will be allowed to travel into QLD, they still need to apply for a border pass to travel across state lines.

“I think this is a great effort to consider how we can make our border zones more effective,” Palaszczuk said.

“These areas have a lot in common with Queensland, they do a lot of their business in Queensland so we believe this is the right measure to take.”

This move from Palaszczuk comes after weeks of pressure from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and PM Scott Morrison to reopen the border between QLD and NSW.

QLD Chief Health Officer Dr. Jeannette Young says further border restrictions could be relaxed should there continue to be very low or no new cases of COVID-19 in NSW and QLD.

“Hopefully that will happen as we go into the weekend, and people in Brisbane and Ipswich will be able to gather in groups of 30,” Dr Young said.

Check out QLD Annastacia Palaszczuk’s presser on reopening the border to NSW:

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