‘No’ on border shift as Prem goes to ‘high alert’

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she has ‘tried’ to make the case on a border change for Tweed residents but has been met with a no from her southern counterpart. But it was another comment from Gladys Berejiklian that has really alarmed her.

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk says she is now on “high alert” in regards to border controls following comments from NSW counterpart Gladys Berejiklian about the spread of COVID-19 earlier today.

Ms Berejiklian had said there was a “level of anxiety” about community transmission in NSW and the state faced a “critical time”.

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“I do have concerns when the New South Wales premier says they are on a heightened alert in New South Wales – that means I am on a high alert,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said this morning.

“There is nothing more important to me than the safety of Queenslanders and the well being of Queenslanders.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“I want to reassure Queenslanders I am monitoring the situation every day – constantly.

“Not just one phone call and meetings, constantly.

“As the figures come out of NSW and Victoria we are absolutely making sure we are protecting Queenslanders.”

The premier said she has also received a ‘no’ from her southern counterpart on any proposal to move the border to assist Tweed residents.

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“That has been met with a no response in terms of not at all inclined to do that.”

“I have tried, all I wanted to do was make it easier for the commuting of those border communities.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian addresses the media at a COVID-19 update press conference. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Those Tweed residents are residents of NSW, I said that was a matter for her, I have tried and unfortunately she has come back to say no.

“I do appreciate she has other matters to deal with at the moment.”

Ms Palaszczuk also announced there had been one new case recorded in Queensland in the last 24 hours.

The Premier said it was tied to ADF personnel returning from overseas and that the person involved was in quarantine.

VICTORIA EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE 484 NEW CASES, 16 IN NSW

A further 484 coronavirus cases in Victoria are expected to be confirmed on Wednesday, the Herald Sun understands, while further restrictions could be on the horizon.

The new cases are expected to include a large number of hospital workers.

The Victorian government is expected to make an announcement at 12.30pm.

The new numbers would break the previous daily increase record of 428 from last Friday.

Further lockdown measures which could be announced today include a limit of 5km from home when travelling to shops or exercise.

NSW again recorded a double digit increase in COVID-19 cases, with 16 people diagnosed with the virus.

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TWEED COUNCILLOR BREAKS RANKS ON MOVING BORDER CHECKPOINTS

A TWEED councillor has broken ranks and spoken out in favour of shifting Queensland’s border blockade south.

Cr Pryce Allsop said in a lengthy statement there is “no doubt” relocating the checkpoints south would ease “mass congestion” in border communities.

“To improve the cross border working conditions is desirable. Moving inspection points is a touchy subject but could be beneficial for numerous reasons,” Cr Allsop said.

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