NT Government looks to ease restrictions on travel to remote areas
THE Territory will look to lift biosecurity zone restrictions on remote communities next month, Chief Minister Michael Gunner says
Lifestyle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner says the NT will be looking to lift biosecurity zone restrictions on remote communities next month.
Mr Gunner said the Territory was on track to start lifting some of those strict remote travel restrictions.
It comes as the Federal Government prepares to review rules around “designated biosecurity zones’’ throughout Australia in June.
Full access to our journalism. Just $1 for the first 28 days
“In my opinion, I think you can genuinely start planning for those (biosecurity zone) restrictions in the NT to be lifted on June 18 or be significantly varied,” Mr Gunner said.
“We need significant caution on that.
“We’ve got to make sure people in remote communities, the land councils, APONT (Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT), AMSANT (Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT) and others are in the driver’s seat when it comes to this.
“There may be parts of the NT like areas near the Kimberly that may be worried about lifting them too soon.
MORE NT CORONAVIRUS STORIES
Greek tragedy: Beloved Darwin restaurant shuts its doors because of coronavirus
‘I’m not going to half arse it’: Gunner rejects calls to bring back cracker night
‘F**k me that’s my fault’: Gunner reveals mental toll of responding to pandemic
Parap markets confirmed to return this weekend after six week hiatus
“But I do think we are tracking for that to change.”
Mr Gunner visited Carlton United Breweries yesterday to welcome the first load of beer trucks arriving in Territory before the pubs reopen next Friday.
“There is a keg convoy rolling up the Stuart Highway with 175,000 litres of the good stuff coming this way,” he said.
“But what excites me most is the jobs that are coming back online.
“We had to ask a lot of businesses to shut down and now they’re getting ready to reopen.
“My challenge to all Territorians is to get out and support those local businesses.
“They need you to buy from them. Get a beer and a parmi, that’s the order.”
Bike, car, prologue winners: Battle of the brothers on first day of Finke
The race for the 2025 cars King of Desert at Finke is shaping up to be a family affair with the winner of the 2024 edition pipped for top spot on Prologue day by his brother. Read the latest action.
Territorians selected for national squad as Darwin gears up for major qualifier
Two Territory footballers have earned selection to a national squad as Darwin and Football NT gears up to a host an Asian Cup qualifier, among the largest events to have been played in the Top End.