Qld border closure: Mayor Tom Tate criticised after explaining why he’s cautious about reopening

Mayor Tom Tate has encountered a hostile response after explaining his reasons for believing the border should remain closed for the time being.

MAYOR Tom Tate has been hit by a barrage of negative comments after explaining his stance on the border closure on his official Facebook page.

Cr Tate told his followers he was “the first person who wants our borders reopened” but said “right now the risk is too high”.

The post had attracted more than 400 comments by 6pm yesterday – most of them negative.

“I don’t agree Tom. The federal health representative has repeatedly said there is no medical reason to close borders,” wrote Damien Daly.

“There is no possibility of zero transmission in the foreseeable future. This is just political and bureaucratic overreach.”

I am the first person who wants our borders reopened but we have to balance people's health with our economy.A setback...

Posted by Mayor Tom Tate on Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Many of those disagreeing with Cr Tate did so despite saying they were among his supporters.

“Tom, I am a supporter of yours - you bleed GC,” wrote Colin Powell. “But keeping the Qld borders closed is simply an overreach. The vast majority of CMOs and health specialists universally advise the community transmission risk is extremely low providing we exercise what we have been doing well - hygiene & distancing.”

Another, Gordon Watson, wrote that he is a “massive supporter” of the Mayor, “but not on this issue.”

Some people shared stories about how their own lives, and their businesses, were being devastated by the ongoing border closure.

“I had two jobs working six days a week,” wrote Jayson Connor. “Now nothing Can’t see my elderly mother on the Tweed. Can’t go to the gym. Everything about my life is gone. Think about the lives ruined already and how many more still to be.”

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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Others spoke about how their businesses are struggling in the absence of interstate visitors.

“Sorry Tom you’re wrong, my business is on the brink and likely not to survive,” wrote Doug Cummins.

Geoff Brieger said people’s health was impacted when businesses failed.

“Flattening the curve was about letting the hospitals prepare for an inundation of patients,” he wrote.

“The hospitals are empty! Six active cases in all of Qld? The long term health problems associated with destroyed businesses and lives will be so much worse. Some of us can’t hold on much longer.”