For over 12 months now we have faced the threat of Covid with Queensland mostly escaping the worst of it - and touch wood - no cases at all in North West Queensland.

It is a testament both to the discipline and willingness of Queenslanders to heed health messages, and also to the extraordinary luck we have had to avoid this highly infectious disease.

There have been a high price to pay for our diligence, with Brisbane going through four lockdowns by my count since March 2020.

Many Queensland businesses, especially those exposed to the hospitality and events industries have faced a torrid time and we are not out of the woods yet.

The vaccine rollout is suffering teething problems, though not surprising given the scale and complexity of the task, availability issues of the Astro Zeneca jab, and the sharing of responsibility between federal and state governments (glib over-promising by the feds is not helping with expectations).

A best case scenario would see most of the Australian population immunised by the end of this year.

Every day before we achieve this herd immunity is a dangerous one and we have seen how the issue can strike anywhere - especially with new and high transmissible strains in the population.

The "suppression bordering on elimination" strategy favoured by most Australian jurisdictions has led to some ridiculous anomalies particularly around border areas where laws differ depending on what side of the street you are standing.

People's patience and stamina have been sorely tested but complacency is still the enemy and we must continue to be vigilant.

The simple rules have not changed.

Wear a mask during the lockdown, keep up the good hygiene, practice social distancing and for god sake, if feeling unwell then stay home and get tested.

At the end of all this, normal may not be the same as normal in February 2020, but we have no choice but to reach out for this outcome as best we can.