International borders set to open ahead of schedule

Bans on international travel will lift a full month ahead of schedule with one federal MP saying it’s imperative to the economic survival of Far North Queensland.

FAR North Queensland business were cautiously optimistic after the Prime Minister announced he is cancelling the international border ban one month earlier than planned.

On Friday Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed that once a state hit 80 per cent double-dose vaccination and had a home quarantine program established, its airports would again be open to international travel for people with two jabs.

Yesterday, Quicksilver Group managing director, Tony Baker said he was pleased with the decision.

“I think this is a fantastic step towards opening up international tourism,” he said. “International visitors make 70 per cent of our market.”

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Mr Baker said the reopening of international borders is a very important step toward getting business back on track.

“I note these steps are focused more on Australians coming home and travelling to see friends,” he said.

“There’s still restrictions on people coming in, I look forward to the time we can welcome all international travellers.”

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said it was good news for small business.

“The decision means economic survival for businesses here”, he said.

“At the end of the day businesses cannot survive on government handouts, we have business people here on their knees due to border closures.”

North Queensland Airports chief operations officer Garry Porter said the news was very welcome.

A Qantas Airbus A330 and a Jetstar Airbus A320 wide body passenger jet aircraft sit on the tarmac at the Cairns Airport international terminal. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We are encouraged by Scott Morrison’s announcement giving a timeline to the return of international travel,” he said.

“It’s important we remain mindful of the opening of our international borders is dependent on vaccination rates and we strongly encourage everyone to take the opportunity to be vaccinated as soon as possible.”

He said the opening of the international borders is critical to the recovery of the region.

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree chief executive Tara Bennett said the announcement is the start of a “road map” to welcoming visitors from overseas and around the country.

“This is fantastic news at the federal level, particularly as there are so many expats in our community, she said.

“We are in a holding pattern and welcome domestic and international visitors. ”

Originally published as International borders set to open ahead of schedule