Northern Rivers locals share thoughts on Queensland tourists

Northern Rivers locals have shared their thoughts on whether Queenslanders should be allowed to visit the area.

BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: A "Festival Closed" digital sign outside the entrance to Bluesfest on April 01, 2021 in Byron Bay, Australia. The NSW Government has reintroduced restrictions for residents of Byron, Ballina, Tweed and Lismore shires after a new COVID-19 case was recorded in the area, linked to the current Brisbane coronavirus outbreak. Household gatherings are limited to 30 people, venue caps have returned to the four-square-meter rule and masks are now mandatory in retail and public transport settings. The restrictions will remain in place until 11:59 pm on Monday 5 April. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)

Frustration from Northern Rivers locals towards our northern friends has been made clear.

The Northern Star asked "With the Greater Brisbane lockdown lifted at noon, should tourist be allowed to come into Northern NSW?"

The response on Facebook was an overwhelming 98 nos to 29 yes.

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"Why not? They've ruined Bluesfest, may as well ruin everything else," Darren Bridge said in the comments.

Katie Martin said "no" as well, claiming "they caused our restrictions."

"We have cases here in Byron and Ballina now due to Queenslanders. Simple," she said.

Jodie Davies had similar sentiments.

"No way considering they're the reason we are in this position today," she said.

Geoff Gluyas from the Gold Coast made a joke to turn the situation back on New South Wales.

"Us Qlders are coming down in droves, give you a lockdown in a weeks time and then we will shut our borders to YOU!" he said.

Merv Galbraith had a different response and hoped people would stop fighting over borders.

"People seem to forget, we are all Aussies regardless of where we live or what boundaries there are between us," he said.

"People don't knowingly go around giving others Covid.

"Well I would hope not. It's sad that this has happened and the government for whatever reason deems it necessary for us to take these steps."

He said he believed until people were stopped from entering the country the "saga will continue."

"We can control it if there is no outside influence," he said.

"I hear, if it hasn't started, Victoria is going to allow 800 people in a week from overseas.

"We will see how that pans out.

"Anyway, at the moment, whether you believe in it or not, the rules have been laid out. Adhere or suffer the consequences."

Originally published as Northern Rivers locals share thoughts on Queensland tourists