Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce leading charge to see Queensland restrictions eased after border closes to NSW and ACT

There have been mounting calls to ease restrictions on businesses to give them a fighting chance once NSW and ACT are blocked at the border.

THE Queensland Premier faces mounting pressure to reel back coronavirus restrictions to give battling businesses a fighting chance once NSW and ACT are blocked at the border.

But it seems Annastacia Palaszczuk is not even willing to entertain the idea.

The Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce is leading the charge with president Martin Hall arguing opening up Queensland for Queenslanders would be a lifeline for operators.

Ms Palaszczuk revealed Wednesday she was going to slam shut the Qld-NSW border to the virus-stricken southern states from Saturday. She said the move would stop the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in Queensland, which has seen a flurry of recent cases linked to people lying after coming in from hot spots.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaking at Broadbeach today. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Mr Hall said the Chamber would lobby Ms Palaszczuk and the State Government to loosen restrictions around patron limits, dancing and mandatory seating while eating and drinking. Venues above 200 square metres must stick to one patron per four square metres and those under 200 square metres must stick to one patron per two square metres but with a cap of 50.

“We need to know what the plan is to help businesses survive this phase. We need to see what the lines of engagement are, and we haven’t seen that yet,” he said.

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“Now the borders have been closed, deeming us protected to a certain extent, we need to look at restrictions in place for businesses.

“Businesses won’t jeopardise their own existence just for a quick buck. But if they have the capacity to generate more income in a COVID Safe way – while complying with the health restrictions – that’s what we need to give businesses the opportunity to do.”

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall. Picture: Chris Higgins

Mr Hall first called for cutting restrictions immediately after the new border blocks were revealed, saying at the time: “In the face of this shock announcement, we need to start reviewing future easing of restrictions for Queenslanders in Queensland, so we can have a fighting chance while continuing to trade.”

Asked if she would urgently review venue clamps, Ms Palaszczuk would not directly respond and instead urged businesses to stick to existing COVID Safe plans.

“It only takes one or two cases for this virus to take hold. Everyone has a social responsibility to do the right thing. I urge everyone to do the right thing,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk said she would consider more business loans to help struggling operators.

“We have concerns about NSW and my job is to protect Queensland families. These are tough, strong measures and they have to be taken,” she said.

Artesian Hospitality partner Matt Keegan wants restrictions dialled back as soon as possible. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Ms Palaszczuk pleaded with Queenslanders to “get out there and support one another”.

Asked if venue restrictions should be urgently reviewed, Mayor Tom Tate backed Ms Palaszczuk’s immovable stance: “I agree with the Premier. It makes sense right now to keep our guards up.”

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Artesian Hospitality partner Matt Keegan, who has nightspots The Bedroom, Havana, Sin City and White Rhino, said two of the businesses have not reopened due to restrictions, particularly patron limits, which have left the reopened venues struggling at a quarter or less of capacity.

“Queensland has had the virus under control. I agree with the Chamber, we should be able to increase numbers and ease restrictions,” he said.

“It’s extremely difficult. A lot of the restrictions are announced last minute. It has major implications for our venues.

“We still haven’t opened up Bedroom or Sin City. We’re sitting and waiting, our staff are sitting and waiting.”

Mr Keegan said the two closed nightclubs would “definitely” open if restrictions eased.

He said restrictions on dancing and standing “have an impact” and there was “no question” city businesses “across the board” would benefit from eased restrictions.

Gold Coast Medical Association head Dr Philip Morris said he does not expect the State Government will move to ease restrictions, despite the current strain on businesses.

Gold Coast Medical Association head Dr Philip Morris said he did not think restrictions would be lifted to make up for the border closure.

“I think (the Chamber) are asking for something that can’t be done, restrictions on the borders are to stop those at risk of carrying the virus from coming into Queensland,” he said.

“But just because you clamp down on one thing, it doesn’t mean the virus, which is already in the state, has gone away.

“Until things improve to where we don’t have a virus circulating and we don’t have any community spread I don’t see any changes happening. The precautions aren’t a seesaw, when one restriction goes down the other goes up. It isn’t like that.”

“All we can hope is that the virus situation in NSW is resolved by the school holidays. I suspect Victoria won’t be ready by then however. I do feel for them,” he said.