Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio backs regional tourism as Queensland border lifts with Sydney, Victoria
Mayor Paul Antonio has urged interstate residents to consider a southern Queensland holiday this Christmas, as the remaining state border restrictions were lifted today.
Council
Don't miss out on the headlines from Council. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Mayor Paul Antonio thanked the community for its discipline and adherence to social distancing as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It comes as Queensland opened its border to Greater Sydney and Victoria today, with only certain local government areas in South Australia now restricted from accessing the Sunshine State.
Cr Antonio said he would love to see more domestic tourism across the silly season, while reminding residents the threat of a breakout was still a reality.
“From here, we must be mindful that this could break out again in the wrong circumstances,” he said.
“So let’s be careful but let’s enjoy the coming Christmas season, and if there are any breakouts let’s keep away from them.
“I’ve been hearing some very good news from my mayoral colleagues further west, where people are actually coming and spending time out there.
“There is $34 billion a year spent on overseas travel in Australia, why shouldn’t a lot of that money be spent (domestically) now and for the next little while, let people taking the opportunities of seeing outback Queensland?”
The lifted restrictions also mean the end of the southern Queensland border checkpoints, which been manned by dozens of police officers for months.
Toowoomba Police Inspector Paul James said the officers were relieved to be returning to regular duties.
“It’s been a tremendous burden of work to be carried out by police at the border,” he said.
“They’re very happy today, it’s been a long road for them, 24-seven through all the different weather patterns, so they’ll be pleased to be returning to regular work.”
For information on all the latest border crossing requirements, head to Queensland Government website.
Ex-Brisbane City CEO joins Toowoomba council as interim chief
The Toowoomba Regional Council’s new interim chief executive was responsible for a budget worth more than $4.3bn last year. Here will be the priorities during his short contract:
‘Horrifying’: Residents take council to court over new childcare centre
The Toowoomba Regional Council has been taken to court by residents opposing a new childcare centre on a major intersection, which locals say has been the site of serious crashes.
‘No clear message’: Council faces heat over big carnival changes
Toowoomba business owners want more input and feedback on the future of the Carnival of Flowers, after it was revealed the Festival of Food and Wine was facing the chop for 2025.
‘Step forward’: Focus of next Toowoomba leaders summit revealed
Toowoomba’s leaders from three levels of government will finally meet again for the first time in nine months — and one major issue will be on the agenda.
‘What are they hiding?’: Major Carnival event’s future now in doubt
The Toowoomba Regional Council has refused to reveal whether a key event at the Carnival of Flowers will return in 2025, as questions have been raised about its future.
Revealed: What could be coming to Highfields’ new town centre
A planned town centre for one of the region’s fastest-growing communities has been updated for the first time in seven years, with residents now able to give feedback on it. What’s new in the plan.