Coronavirus Gold Coast: Business and political leaders reaction COVID-19 restrictions being lifted

Gold Coast business leaders say they are underwhelmed by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions, with border set to stay closed for another month.

GOLD Coast business leaders say they are underwhelmed by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Ms Palaszczuk this morning announced the early move to Stage 2 of the roadmap to easing the state’s restrictions, weeks ahead of schedule.

The Premier said the move was on the back of low coronavirus figures and consultation with the business community.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk addressing media about Stage 2 restrictions this morning. (News Corp/Attila Csaszar)

AUSTRALIA CLOSE TO MAGIC VIRUS NUMBER

Under the changes:

•Gatherings of up to 20 people are allowed within homes, as well as gyms, health clubs, sports clubs, pools, art galleries and places of worship, provided they have COVID safe plans in place.

•Intrastate travel will be allowed within Queensland, with no restrictions on overnight trips.

•Up to 20 people will be allowed in cinemas, cafes, restaurants, theme parks, arcades, concert venues and stadiums.

However, the state’s borders will remain closed for at least another month, with the decision to be reviewed at the end of June.

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall said the announcment was a mixed bag for businesses.

“It’s great that the Premier has listened to our concerns,” he said.

“With relation to the border closures, it’s still another month of uncertainty for our tourism businesses, particularly on the Gold Coast but at least we have something to work towards.

$20M A DAY LOSS AS BORDERS REMAIN CLOSED

“There isn’t a lot of clarity around the theme parks and that is a kick in the guts for those operators because they can’t reopen until they are allowed at least half capacity.

“The smoke is starting to lift for small businesses and this will allow them to progress.

“Hopefully next month we can get the borders reopened and be ready to go ahead for the next school holidays.

Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the Premier’s announcement.

“This is wonderful news and another step towards returning to our normal lives,” he said.

“The Gold Coast is open for business and I’d encourage anyone who can, to open their wallets and enjoy the goods and services that our city and broader Queensland have to offer.

“Congratulations Gold Coast - our good work with social distancing and hygiene have been key to this outcome.”

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said: “As the roadmap to recovery becomes blurrier, our sector is experiencing not only the financial loss of an estimated $310 million per month, but a substantial blow to morale and confidence.

“Similarly, we are experiencing travellers’ lost confidence through cancelled bookings, or a reluctance to book accommodation and attractions on the Gold Coast, right through to the end of 2020 in some cases.

“Unfortunately for the Gold Coast, an expansion to intrastate travel will provide only minor relief to our struggling tourism sector.

“While any easing of travel and social distancing restrictions are a welcome step on the road to recovery, the safe opening up of Queensland’s borders remains the top priority for Gold Coast’s tourism sector.

“The tourism sector throughout the State remains united and unequivocal in its urgent appeal to re-open the State’s borders as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Originally published as Coronavirus Gold Coast: Business and political leaders reaction COVID-19 restrictions being lifted