Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced unlimited travel will be available within Queensland from tomorrow Monday, June 1.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In an announcement on Twitter on Sunday morning the Premier said "Start planning your holiday!"
"We're opening Queensland for Queenslanders from noon tomorrow," the Premier said.
"Queenslanders will be able to undertake unlimited travel, including overnight stays throughout the entire state, in a major easing of COVID-19 restrictions."
The news will be welcomed by those pushing to ease restrictions that allowed up to 500km of travel in the outback but only 150km on the coast.
The Premier stressed the easing of restrictions does not apply to biosecurity or restricted zones for indigenous communities which will remain in place subject to a review in consultation with community members.
There is no word yet on when the state borders will be reopened.
The Premier said Queensland's outstanding response to the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed restrictions to be lifted ahead of a planned move to Stage2 originally scheduled for June 12.
Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles today also announced pubs, restaurants and cafes would be able to cater for more patrons for both food and beverage service from tomorrow.
"Restaurants, cafes and pubs that continue to operate under a COVID safe checklist will, from tomorrow, be permitted to increase the total number of patrons from 10 to 20," Mr Miles said.
"And from Friday this week, with a COVID safe industry plan, venues with more space will be able to go further and allow up to 20 people in each separate area, seated for meals or drinks. For example, some surf clubs, pubs and RSLs may have four or five defined separate indoor and outdoor areas - they can have 20 people in each of these areas if the areas are big enough.
"However, every venue must continue to adhere to strict social distancing rules including limiting each patron to an area of four square metres and adhere to hygiene protocols.
"I know many Queenslanders will look forward to having a drink out. It will be a different experience - you will need to be seated and be served by a waiter to order your drinks. Crowds standing at the bar doesn't support social distancing.
"While some venues will need time to prepare, the confirmation of these changes will give many the confidence to re-open for dining in or to increase the number of patrons - creating more jobs.
"I ask that people be patient as businesses get ready for this new stage and understand that staff are doing their best to help you enjoy more activities and keep safe.
"The same restrictions will apply to gyms and other health clubs, parks, museums and art galleries, in churches and places of worship and other public facilities such as libraries.
"In relation to community sporting events where clubs have more than one field, limits of 20 spectators per field will apply.
"The Government will work with bodies still subject to restrictions around preparing COVID Safe Industry Plans."
Queensland has had no cases of COVID-19 since May 27.
SEE ALSO: Stinky Creek living up to its name again
While you are here subscribe to our weekly email to your inbox every Tuesday and Friday
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
