Phillip Thompson calls for more NQ COVID-19 restrictions to be lifted

As Townsville gets to enjoy freedoms following the earlier easing of COVID-19 restrictions today, Herbert MP Phillip Thompson has called for more North Queensland freedom.

As Townsville gets to enjoy freedoms following the earlier easing of COVID-19 restrictions today, Herbert MP Phillip Thompson has called for more North Queensland freedom.

While people can now enjoy unlimited travel in the state and up to 20 patrons can go to cafes, restaurants and gyms, Mr Thompson said the easing of restrictions did not go far enough for the North.

“The State Labor Premier (Annastacia Palaszczuk) has been dragged kicking and screaming to this decision after completely ignoring the people of North Queensland for too long,” he said.

“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.”

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson has called for more COVID-19 restrictions in North Queensland to be lifted. Picture: Alix Sweeney

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This pressure from the North, including Cairns, the Whitsundays, Mackay and Outback regions, ultimately convinced the State Government to open up the state but had frustrated many over how long it took.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the decision to ease the state’s restrictions was made following the pressure put on his South East colleagues by North Queensland advocates.

But PVW Partners managing partner Carl Valentine if earlier calls hadn’t been largely ignored, the region’s economic recovery would be well underway and local people and their businesses that much more likely to survive the pandemic.

Now Mr Thompson has called on Ms Palaszczuk to further ease restrictions to start the financial recovery, but she had hindered it by treating North Queensland in the same manner as the South East corner where most COVID-19 were.

“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?” he said.

“We’ve been very fortunate to be COVID-19 case free in Townsville for almost two months. That’s double the incubation period set out by Annastacia Palaszczuk – if we see an outbreak from a traveller from the South East the responsibility will lie solely and squarely with the Premier.”

Originally published as Phillip Thompson calls for more NQ COVID-19 restrictions to be lifted