Thousands of litres of beer on the way to outback Queensland

Outback pubs and clubs are set to open their doors for the first time and the beer tab will be picked up by one of Queensland’s best breweries.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk held her daily press conference at Brisbane’s XXXX Brewery earlier today, telling reporters the company was hard at work sending thousands of litres of beer around the state.

XXXX Brewery is sending 3000L of free beer to outback communities as pubs, restaurants and cafes in regional towns are permitted to reopen this weekend, with a limit of 20 patrons allowed.

“This weekend our restrictions are easing and in the outback they will be able to have 20 patrons in the local pubs and cafes and restaurants being able to enjoy a meal, a beer, or a glass of wine,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

The premier said mayors out west had encouraged her to relax restrictions for rural regions.

“The XXXX Gold will be travelling out west, over thousands of kilometres, going of course to places like Blackall, Barcaldine, Ilfracombe, Longreach – the list is endless,” she said.

“The reason we have been able to do this is because these areas have been COVID-free for many weeks,” she said.

“It’s great news. I’m sure there will be a lot of happy patrons and happy families.”

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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk addressed reporters at the Milton brewery on Wednesday. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

It follows moves to re-open parks, playgrounds and barbecues, as the state takes strides toward reopening following a streak of no new coronavirus cases.

One new coronavirus case was recorded overnight. This person was diagnosed interstate but added to Queensland’s tally when they returned home. Of the 1052 cases recorded in Queensland during the pandemic only 18 people are yet to recover.

Road trips are also back on the agenda from Saturday with residents allowed to travel up to 150km from home — increasing to 500km for those in the outback. Parks and beachfronts will be reopened along with many skate parks, outdoor basketball courts and sports fields, for groups of up to 10 people.

Despite the gradual easing of social distancing restrictions, authorities continue to urge people with respiratory illness symptoms to get tested.

State chief health officer Jeannette Young has also previously urged Queenslanders to get their flu vaccination before employees begin to return to offices across the state.

The low rate of coronavirus cases across the state is likely to lead to further restrictions being eased.

Up to five people from the one household are currently permitted to visit another home.

From Saturday, up to 10 people will be able to gather outside at weddings, pools and for exercise.

Kindy, Prep, and students from Years 1, 11 and 12 returned to the classroom this week, with other years expected to return to school from May 25.

— with AAP