Border closure’s immediate effect on businesses
The decision to close the Queensland border hit Granite Belt operators instantly.
Stanthorpe
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BUSINESSES on the Queensland border are bracing for the fallout of the State Government's decision to close the state to residents in southern parts of the country.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced today the border would close to all New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory residents at 1am Saturday.
St Jude's Cellar Door and Bistro owner Rob Davidson said the announcement had almost immediate ramifications.
"It's a double-edged sword, because we need it for our state but unfortunately, we've had about 30 cancellations this morning from people coming up for the weekend," Mr Davidson said.
Queensland recorded just one new case of coronavirus today, with the total active cases sitting at 11.
For Wallangarra Railway Cafe owner Kim Hearn the announcement was one she had prepared for.
"I think it will make an extreme difference, probably for the worst," Ms Hearn said.
"I will miss (the travellers), since the borders opened again, we've been extremely busy. Now they're closing again, we won't be."
Residents in border communities and essential workers will be allowed in, and exemptions are expected to be provided on compassionate grounds.
Member for Southern Downs James Lister welcomed the Premier's decision to close the borders but said it came with a cost.
"We've made huge sacrifices to keep coronavirus out of Queensland, and I wouldn't want to see that wasted by a fresh wave of infections here," Mr Lister said.
"These border closures are necessary, but are also placing an enormous burden on our economy."
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