Qld border restrictions: What you need to know about new rules

It’s official, Sydney – you’re now locked out of Queensland. This is how the state borders dramatically change from today.

Just weeks after interstate visitors were welcomed back to Queensland, the axe has swung on more than five million Sydney residents who are now banned from the Sunshine State.

From today, greater Sydney is considered a virus hotspot by the Queensland Government, which means anyone who has been in that region is prohibited from crossing the border into Queensland.

It also means Queenslanders returning from the hotspot will have to quarantine for 14 days at their own expense.

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Greater Sydney now joins the entire state of Victoria on the Queensland Government’s virus black list, in Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s bid to limit the spread of COVID-19 to her state.

Police check cars at Coolangatta on the NSW-Queensland border. Picture: Adam Head

An Australian military helicopter patrols the Queensland-NSW border at the Gold Coast. Picture: Scott Powick

The premier’s announcement on Wednesday came amid growing concerns about outbreaks in Sydney, as well as fury over two women with COVID-19 who allegedly made false declarations at the border after travelling home to Queensland from Melbourne via Sydney. A third person has also been charged for lying on declaration forms.

But the tough move – which comes just weeks after Queensland reopened its border to all states and territories other than Victoria – is set to cost the Sunshine State millions in lost revenue during a critical time for domestic tourism.

Here’s how Queensland’s borders have changed from today.

WHO IS BANNED FROM QUEENSLAND?

People who have been in Greater Sydney will be unable to enter Queensland as the region has been declared a virus hot spot. Visitors from Victoria are already restricted from the state.

The Greater Sydney region, which is home to more than five million residents, comprises 34 local council areas including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Hawkesbury regions. The full list of black-listed council areas can be found here.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES?

Those who breach border rules face fines of $4000 and harsher penalties may apply.

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WHO CAN STILL VISIT?

Provided they haven’t been to a virus hotspot (Victoria or Greater Sydney) in the preceding 14 days, other travellers from NSW can still enter Queensland, as well as residents of Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

The Greater Sydney hotspot zone does not include the nearby Hunter or Wollongong areas.

All people entering Queensland need to fill out a border declaration pass, including returning Queensland residents.

WHAT IF I’M A QUEENSLANDER IN SYDNEY?

You will be able to return home but will have to go into mandatory hotel quarantine for 14 days at your expense.

WHAT IF I HAD A TRIP BOOKED?

If you live in, or have recently visited, a virus hotspot, bad news – that trip to the Sunshine State can’t go ahead.

The good news is Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have options for travellers impacted by travel restrictions, and many accommodation providers already have policies in place for changed plans due to the pandemic.

The Queensland Government hasn’t set a time frame for the new border rules, and as it’s in response to evolving outbreaks, it’s impossible to say how long it will last.

It’s not just holiday-makers that will feel the hurt. This will be a particularly heavy blow to the tourism powerhouse of Far North Queensland, where international and domestic tourists numbers have plummeted due to border closures.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Liam Kidston

Far North Queensland could lose millions with the disappearance of Sydney holiday-makers.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen told the ABC the border change could cost the region $100 million.

“It’s a devastating blow for the tourism sector,” he said.

“In just a bit under three weeks we saw more than 10,000 passengers come through from Sydney, we were just starting our recovery.

“It’s another setback but we know that the only way we can start a vibrant, healthy tourism economy is to be clear of this health concern.”

ARE THERE ANY EXEMPTIONS?

There are some circumstances that allow a person to enter Queensland even after having been in a hotspot. In most cases they’ll still need to quarantine for 14 days.

People who may be eligible for exemptions include those who need to attend a court or tribunal, students, air travellers transiting without leaving the airport, those fulfilling a legal obligation in relation to shared parenting, those fleeing serious injury or the threat of serious harm, and those performing an essential activity. More information can be found here.

Essential activities include national defence, state security and police duties, health and emergency services work, transportation of freight and logistics, emergency services special work, and aircrew and maritime duties.