Friday, 4 September 2020
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has this morning welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to include Moree (postcode 2400) in the COVID-19 travel bubble, stating the announcement will be a huge emotional weight of the shoulders of many from Moree who rely on vital services across the border.
“Finally, some compassion being shown by the Queensland Premier,” Mr Marshall said.
“The establishment of the ridiculous ‘hard border’ three weeks ago has literally torn families apart, restricted the ability for the agriculture sector to operate and prevented patients from accessing medical treatment.
“In particular, this announcement will come as a huge relief for so many parents with children in Queensland boarding schools, who were facing the serious prospect of having to put their children into two weeks isolation on their return to school, if they brought them home this upcoming school holidays.
“I’m glad Queensland’s Chief Health Officer is ‘now satisfied the town (Moree) is safe to travel to’, we have only been telling her this since the start of August.
“The fight doesn’t stop here though for while Moree postcode is now included we must continue to push for the addition of the entire shire, as well as the local government areas of Gwydir, Inverell, Glen Innes Severn and Tenterfield – which all continue to be COVID-19 free.
“I want to acknowledge the tireless advocacy of Moree Plains Mayor Katrina Humphries on this issue and thank everyone who has taken the time to phone and write in their, all have been important in securing this outcome,” Mr Marshall said.
Mr Marshall added the change would also help with recovery efforts in the border community of Mungindi, where three businesses, including the supermarket, were destroyed by fire this week.
“One of the biggest logistical issues facing Mingindi residents following the fire, was how to get immediate access to essential household items without travelling to Moree and breaching the border bubble,” he said.
“Now, locals will be able to hit the road south as they need to, knowing full well they will be able return home and continue their day to day lives.
“This free flow will also assist with an effective fire clean-up, allowing emergency services and crews from both sides of the border to provide assistance where needed.”