Queensland reinstates border bubble after NSW lifts Tweed Shire, Byron Bay lockdown

Queensland has reinstated the border bubble with the Tweed Shire and Byron Bay after the communities were released from lockdown on Tuesday.

The border bubble is back after the NSW government lifted its lockdown of the Tweed Shire and Byron Bay.

The Tweed and Byron were two of several northern NSW localities declared hot spots after a Covid-infected crew member from “I’m a Celebrity get me out of here” being filmed at Byron Bay roamed across the region earlier this month.

The decision saw an instant suspension of the border bubble arrangements between the Tweed and southern Gold Coast that had only been in place for a matter of days.

The border bubble between the Tweed and southern Gold Coast has been reinstated. Picture: Matt Roberts

However, the border bubble was not entirely abandoned and still applied to regions further west such as Goondiwindi.

Following the decision to end the Tweed and Byron lockdown at midnight Tuesday, Queensland Health has also revised its outlook, with an easing of restrictions for those crossing state lines between the two border communities.

In a statement, a Queensland Health spokeswoman said “non-restricted border zone rules” would be reintroduced from 1am Wednesday.

Tweed Tourism boss Bradley Nardi said he was “thrilled” to see an end to lockdown, even though crossing the border for a holiday remains on the banned list.

“We’ll really be encouraging people to enjoy a staycation, or get out in their local area to support some businesses and make the most of the last few days of the school holidays,” he said.