Gold Coast border: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says ‘no apology’ for delays amid Victoria COVID crisis

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has said she makes ‘no apologies’ for delays at border crossings, while warning of more problems on Friday. ARE DELAYS ACCEPTABLE? VOTE IN OUR POLL

QUEENSLAND Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has said she “makes no apologies” for continuing delays at the Queensland-New South Wales border.

Speaking at a press conference to launch a new tourism campaign in Burleigh today Ms Palaszczuk warned anyone planning to enter the state on Friday, when the border is reopened to travellers from all states except Victoria, would face lengthy delays.

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“In relation to border passes, make sure you get it as soon as you possibly can,” she said.

“It is really important we keep Queensland safe and that is why we are checking to see if anyone has either come from Victoria or travelled to Victoria in the last 14 days.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at Burleigh Heads. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

“What’s happening in Victoria could still happen anywhere in Australia, that’s why we need to be vigilant.

“These measures are for the protection of Queensland and I make no apologies.”

Ms Palaszczuk advised motorists to avoid the border on Friday if possible.

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“There will be long delays,” she said.

“Maybe you can choose to come another day or don’t go during the peak times.”

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said everyone who has been to Victoria in the past 14 days will be forced to hotel quarantine at their own expense upon entering Queensland.

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“Our primary focus is making sure the great ground we have made is maintained and we can keep COVID out of the state,” he said.

“We do expect that the increase in traffic flow and flow through our airport will put more pressure on our system.”

Ms Palaszczuk’s comments came as Victoria today recorded 191 new COVID-19 cases – a new record.

Queensland announced one new case today – the state’s first in 11 days.