Councils back border closure over virus risk

THE South Burnett Regional and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire councils have united in support of the State Government and pleaded for border restrictions to stay in place as the consequences of a second outbreak in the region would be devastating.

South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto said he was extremely concerned about the pressure being placed on the premier and the chief health officer to relax their border policy.

He said people must stand behind the leaders to avoid lockdown.

“My concerns are around our economy, especially tourism, pork and other agriculture value chains and also for the vulnerability of the Cherbourg Indigenous community,” Cr Otto said.

“The South Burnett is renowned as one of the most important agricultural areas in this state and one case of COVID-19 could put this at risk.

“Kingaroy is home to the country’s largest pork-producing plant and 95 per cent of pigs in Queensland are processed at the plant. Any disruption to this could absolutely devastate the Queensland pork industry.”

Cr Otto also highlighted the importance of tourism for the area, which has been growing in recent months thanks to Queenslanders holidaying closer to home.

“This may not be of comfort to larger operators and those dependent on international travellers, but the push from the Queensland Government to explore local areas is working for some areas, and when we boast places like the Bunya Mountains and wine and walking trails, it is good reminder to people these magnificent places exist at their doorsteps.”