Coronavirus Gold Coast: Mayor Tom Tate backs border openings if medical advice supports it

Mayor Tom Tate has revealed when he wants to see borders reopened, as business leaders dial up the pressure on the State Government to bring the date forward.

GOLD Coast Mayor Tom Tate has revealed when he wants to see borders reopened, as business leaders dial up the pressure on the State Government to bring the date forward.

In a statement this morning, the Mayor say he supported keeping the borders closed on medical grounds but wanted to see them reopened as soon as it was safe.

A mobile police van on the Tweed - Coolangatta border between NSW and Qld. Photo: Glenn Hun

“I am in support of the border closure for as long as Queensland’s Chief Health Officer advises that it’s necessary and appropriate,” he said.

“As soon as medical advice is received that the borders can be opened safely I would strongly support the date being moved forward.”

The Mayor’s statement comes as new data from Gold Coast Airport revealed an apocalyptic fall in passenger numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Overnight, one new case of coronavirus was detected in Queensland.