CHEERS BUT JEERS
Qld open to Qlders but operators fume at short notice and border block
GOLD Coast tourism and small business operators are not universally cheering new patron limits of 20 and limitless travel within Queensland from noon today.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has brought forward eased restrictions but operators say lack of notice – just on 24 hours – caught them by surprise.
Tourism bosses say unless the border opens, it will have limited impact.
GOLD Coast small business operators are racing to be ready to welcome up to 20 patrons from midday today after being blindsided by the increase and fuming about the border staying shut.
From noon today the state will move to Stage 2 of the Queensland Labor Government’s road map to easing the state’s restrictions, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. Under the changes:
• Gatherings of 20 are allowed in homes, gyms, health clubs, sports clubs, pools, art galleries and places of worship, provided they have COVIDsafe plans in place.
• Travel will be allowed within Queensland, with no restrictions on overnight trips.
• Up to 20 people will be allowed in cinemas, theme parks, arcades, concert venues and stadiums.
• From Friday, some venues will be allowed to hold more than 20 people if they submit COVID-safe plans and have sufficient room to house at least one person per 4 sqm.
But state borders will stay closed for at least another month, with the decision to be reviewed at the end of June.
The Bulletin understands furious and struggling small business and tourism operators on the Gold Coast are still planning to join a statewide protest aimed at sending a strong message to Premier Ando nastacia Palaszczuk for eased restrictions and the border block to be removed as soon as possible.
The premier said bringing forward the new patron limits and involving more sectors came on the back of low coronavirus figures and consultation with the business community.
Yesterday, the Gold Coast had just one active coronavirus case remaining of the 193 it has recorded so far. Queensland has five remaining active cases.
Ms Palaszczuk said the easing of restrictions was “the boost” the tourism industry needed.
“This is tremendous news,” she said. “The best way families can support our multibillion-dollar tourism industry this year is for the school holidays. There’s no better time to hop in the car and go for that once-in-a-lifetime trip around Queensland.
“The only reason we are able to move forward with our planned Stage 2 ahead of the original June 12 date is because Queenslanders have listened to the advice, acted on that advice and done an outstanding job of helping to smash the COVID-19 curve.”
Gold Coast operators criticised a lack of notice, saying it left them little time to prepare for more patrons with extra staff and venue preparation.
Business leaders said the changes, while a welcome step forward for the hospitality industry, would ultimately not
NEW RULES TODAY
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has brought forward Stage 2 rules, easing patron limits and travel, to allow the following from noon today:
• Gatherings of 20 allowed statewide;
• Limitless travel allowed anywhere within Queensland;
• Bars, restaurants and cafes can have up to 20 patrons, up from an existing limit of 10;
• Other venues able to host 20 people include, gyms, cinemas, places of worship, libraries, museums and art galleries.
• From June 12, venues with multiple areas will be able to have 20 in each room.
enough to revive the Gold Coast’s shattered economy.
Gold Coast Restaurant Industry Support Association president Glen Day said the full benefit of the changes would not be seen until interstate travel was allowed.
“It is certainly a great move but the Gold Coast right now has no tourists and we need people to be coming here to fill these extra seats,” he said.
“I doubt I would be able to find 40 people to fill two rooms of one of my venues on a Monday night. It is great we have gone up from a limit of 10 people but right now you can see tumbleweeds blowing through Surfers Paradise.”
Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president
Martin Hall said hospitality operators were the big winners but reopening the theme parks was critical.
“There isn’t a lot of clarity around the theme parks and that is a kick in the guts for those operators because they can’t reopen until they are allowed at least half capacity.”
Theme parks bosses met the premier last week and are yet to be given a clear reopening date.
“I was surprised the chief health officer referenced that only Australia Zoo had submitted a COVID-safe plan,” Village Roadshow boss Clarke Kirby said.
“Village Roadshow and Ardent have submitted detailed COVID-safe plans over a week ago and are yet to hear anything back from anyone.
“We assume we will be having conversations with the Government this week.
“This is critical to our financial modelling, reopening and future employment.”
Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the premier’s announcement.
“This is wonderful news and another step towards returning to our normal lives,” he said.
“The Gold Coast is open for business. I’d encourage anyone who can to open their wallets and enjoy the goods and services that our city and broader Queensland have to offer.
“Congratulations Gold Coast – our good work with social distancing and hygiene has been key to this outcome.”