Business advocate says easing restrictions across state hold NQ back

Business advocates says the State Government’s easing of restrictions does not go far enough in North Queensland.

With restrictions easing across Queensland, Cark Valentine has called for more even further easing of restrictions in North Queensland.

THE State Government is holding North Queensland back despite easing restrictions across Queensland, a Townsville business advocate has said.

PVW Partners managing partner Carl Valentine said while it was about time restrictions eased in the region, the COVID-19 scenario was still very different in Townsville to the southeast corner.

Mr Valentine said North Queensland has all but exceeded the terms the State Government set out well before the more populated areas of the state, and there has been no new cases for almost four incubation periods.

“While the Premier’s announcement of free travel throughout Queensland and an increase of patrons in bars, cafe and restaurants to 20 people from midday 1 June 2020 will be a welcome relief to many, we advocate that Townsville and other areas of north and outback Queensland should already be at the easing of restrictions flagged for 10 July,” Mr Valentine said.

Managing Partner of PVW Partners, Carl Valentine. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“Queensland is the most decentralised jurisdiction in Australia and the ‘one size fits all’ model that has been adopted unfairly disadvantages regional Queensland businesses and individuals.”

Mr Valentine flagged the stage three restrictions, set to come into place on July 10, as a better option for North Queensland.

He said it would give regional businesses a fighting chance to recover from the pandemic.

“June 1 marks two months since North Queensland business leaders, medical professionals and politicians united in sending an Open Letter to the Premier calling for the implementation of Regional Management Zones,” Mr Valentine said.

“If those calls hadn’t been largely ignored, our economic recovery would already be well underway today and local people and their businesses that much more likely to survive the pandemic.”

However, Mr Valentine said if restrictions were to change in North Queensland, unrestricted travel would not be viable.

He said while the whole state was on the same level of restrictions, it was reasonable to have interstate travel, but not if North Queensland was to shift to lighter restrictions.

“You can’t have everything,” he said. “I am very grateful we have a level of relaxation and we have to trust that our premier and Chief Health Officer are doing everything in our best interest,” he said.

“But it feels like we still don’t have a longer-term road map for business.”

Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Federal Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said while it was great that this announcement would boost tourism, it did not go far enough.

“It’s been 60 days since more than 200 medical professionals, businesses and politicians of all persuasions sent a joint letter to the Premier asking for the implementation of Regional Management Zones which would have allowed restrictions to be eased much further, many weeks ago,” Mr Thompson said.

“Once again she’s treated the people of the North the same as the South East instead of considering our unique needs.

“It’s great that tourism will be boosted by this announcement but even with 20 people allowed in venues most businesses will still be crippled and far below capacity. Where are the visitors meant to go for breakfast or enjoy a few drinks in the evening?”

Originally published as Business advocate says easing restrictions across state hold NQ back