Police have found ‘majority’ are doing the right thing... but what about the others?

We asked Queensland Police how often patrols were carried out at Rockhampton Airport and how many fines had been issued for Covid non-compliance. Here’s what they had to say.

Council responds to concerns about Rockhampton Airport Covid measures

Central Queensland locals are up in arms that Covid regulations seem to be overlooked at the Rockhampton Airport where there is a lack of Covid check-in points and people are seen to come and go without mandatory masks.

Looking into a complaint by a concerned mother at the airport, The Morning Bulletin observed a number of workers in hi-vis and hard hats not wearing masks, in addition to a number of passengers.

Rockhampton Regional Council, which manages the airport, has since explained Covid QR scan code check-ins are not required by the Commonwealth Health directives.

It also said Queensland Police Service was in charge of checking all people in the airport were wearing masks.

Airport workers and travellers alike say they have seen no police presence at the airport even since the most recent lockdowns.

However, a QPS spokesperson said Rockhampton police conducted “random” checks at the airport to meet flights and undertake compliance checks.

“This is also happening at other regional airports in the Capricornia District including Gladstone and Emerald,” the spokesperson said.

“In relation to the issuing of fines for not wearing masks, police have found the majority of people are complying with the CHO direction.”

But, the minority who are not wearing masks don’t face any consequences, it seems.

“Rockhampton police are adopting an ongoing strategy of compassion and communication,” the spokesperson continued.

“As such, no Penalty Infringement Notices (PINS) have been issued for persons not wearing masks.”

This stands in stark contrast to the Northern Territory, for instance, where it is reported a tourist was fined $5056 for failing to wear a mask at an airport.