Iso, restrictions, cancellations: How regions are reacting to lockdown

It’s been two days since the lockdown rules were imposed on Greater Brisbane. With one mayor in isolation and countless residents bunkering down, here’s how the regions are coping.

Smaller regions around Toowoomba are finding themselves subject to the same restrictions as Greater Brisbane residents as the two COVID-19 clusters continue to increase.

Community leaders in surrounding regions have gone above and beyond to ensure their communities remain calm during the remainder of the lockdown period.

Here is how the regions have reacted:

Goondiwindi

Goondiwindi Regional Council mayor Lawrence Springborg said he too was isolating along with the rest of Greater Brisbane, but reassured residents the new measures were designed to help Queensland overcome the newest cluster, not hinder the state.

He is encouraging any residents who have been in Brisbane since 20 March to do the same and abide by the latest health directives.

“Just like myself, there will be quite a few in our community who must now isolate due to the Greater Brisbane lockdown,” Cr Springborg said.

“However, the latest Queensland Health measures will affect every resident in the Goondiwindi region and I urge everyone to familiarise themselves ASAP with their responsibilities.

“We all want to be able to enjoy the Easter period, and following the new restrictions as announced by Chief Health Officer is our best ticket to preventing any further outbreaks.

“This is also a timely reminder more generally about the ongoing importance of physical distancing and good hygiene.”

Darling Downs Health Service's COVID-19 coronavirus drive-through testing at Baillie Henderson Hospital on Tuesday. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Scenic Rim

Mayor Greg Christensen reassured his residents the Scenic Rim Regional Council local government area wasn’t included in the lockdown, but encouraged them to abide by the rules set in place for the remainder of the state for the health and safety of the community.

“Like so many of our residents, many Council employees are impacted by the new directive, and it’s important we all follow the State Government’s advice to keep our communities safe,” he said.

“Some Council employees live in the Greater Brisbane region, or many have travelled there since 20 March and in support of the Chief Health Officer’s latest health directive, they are also required to adhere to home confinement until the restrictions are lifted.

“This means that while some impacted employees can do their jobs from home, there are services where this is not possible, and therefore we have had to suspend some services while the lockdown is in place.

“We recognise that this is a challenging time across the community as many residents were impacted by the floods over the past week and are now facing further challenges as they may have also visited the Greater Brisbane region.

“Today’s announcement shows that the threats from the COVID-19 pandemic are still with us, and the importance of being vigilant with social distancing and strong hygiene practices.

“We encourage the community to keep an eye on Queensland Health’s website and social media for the latest health updates.”

South Burnett

North and South Burnett Police have said they will be issuing fines to residents caught without a mask as a “last resort” in a bid to protect the region from an outbreak.

Kingaroy officer-in charge Senior Sergeant David Tierney told the South Burnett Times education is key, but refusing to co-operate with simple rules could end in a $200 fine.

“We’ve got to remember that people may be coming in from other areas,” Sergeant Tierney said.

“We just need to be looking out for others and doing everything we can to contain the spread of this virus and get out of this lockdown as quickly as possible.”

Senior Constable Brian Nugent said Gayndah police would be “reminding” residents of the rules before dishing out fines.

Western Downs

Similar practices will be undertaken by police west of Toowoomba, with Dalby’s acting senior sergeant Tony Logue telling the Dalby Herald police will be enforcing the mask mandate, with fines being a last resort.

“We’ll be using effective communication and compassion with the health requirement this week,” Sergeant Logue said.

“Police will be patrolling indoor venues, and asking those in the community to wear their masks, and they will be offered one by our officers.

“If people refuse, we are within range to issue infringement notices, but we don’t want to do that.