Coronavirus Gold Coast: Bleak reality of NSW/Queensland border crossings revealed

A driver crossing the border held up this heartbreaking sign explaining why he was entering Queensland just hours after restrictions, which now appear to have been relaxed, came into effect.

A SIGN held up to the window of a car at the newly restricted Queensland border entrance reveals the devastating new reality for those living close to the boundary.

Border crossings were restricted from 12.01am this morning with all but three crossings on the Queensland-NSW border – the M1, Gold Coast Highway and Griffith St – to be closed.

Traffic from the other 14 points on the boundary is expected to be funnelled through those roads.

But authorities appear to have backflipped on plans to completely seal off the Queensland-New South Wales border at Coolangatta amid fears it would cause chaos and stretch police resources.

A driver showing a note to police. Picture: Jerad Williams

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This morning, traffic was backed on heavily on the NSW side of the border as police stop cars, however, was flowing freely through the border “twin towns”.

The giant line of cars began in darkness in the early hours of this morning and have only grown as the sun came up.

Amid the traffic was an elderly couple, with the driver, an older man, who held up a note to the window of his cars to communicate with police.“Good morning (we are) attending John Flynn Hospital for cancer treatment. She has compromised immune system … thank you,” the note said.

Medical treatment is among several exceptions granted to those crossing the border into Queensland.

Big lines of cares attempting to cross the border at Bilinga. Picture: Jerad Williams

Police at the RBT-style roadblocks are handing out Queensland entry passes to motorists.

Some backstreets through Coolangatta and Tweed Heads remained open this morning but will be plugged today.

The State Government launched its permit system last night which residents who frequently travel across the border

The lines only grew as the sun came up this morning. Picture: Jerad Williams

State Disaster Coordinator Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said in a statement this morning that the community should avoid all non-essential cross-border travel.

“The system went live with a soft launch last night. Applicants who are deemed eligible for an entry pass will be electronically issued a pass at the end of completing a short online form,” he said.

“The issued pass is print-at-home and applicants given instructions to display within their vehicle to enable priority passage.

“Border restrictions apply to all travel to Queensland by air, sea, rail or road.

“Essential food, supplies and services are being prioritised. The community can assist us by not trying to cross the border unless their travel is essential,” State Disaster Coordinator Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.