By Tania Phillips
With the Queensland Borders likely to stay closed until at least Christmas the LNP have vowed to introduce a Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner.
While Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s office said rumours that there would be a hard-close to the Border and a resolving of the “Border Bubble” were untrue the premier has said Victorian restrictions were expected to last until Christmas.
During a press conference on Monday she said that the borders would not open until there “is no community transfer in relevant states”.
Three new (non-community) cases were reported from Saturday to Friday, leaving eight active cases, 1076 recovered and a total of 1091 as at Friday 14 August.
Premier Palaszczuk said all five million Queenslanders shared in this result, with the threat still existing in other states and other countries.
“And it’s going to take all five million of us to keep it up, with social distancing, hand hygiene and getting tested when feeling sick,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
The most recent border close and the subsequent omission of NSW village Urbenville from the cross-border bubble has prompted the LNP to reiterate their plan to create a Qld Cross Border Commissioner. A similar position already exists on the other side of the border.
LNP Shadow Minister for Local Government Ann Leahy said the Commissioner would enhance cooperation and work closely with local governments and state agencies.
“To many communities, the border is a line on a map which does not reflect their day to day lives,” Ms Leahy said.
“Residents of places like Killarney, Stanthorpe, Wallangarra, Texas, Goondiwindi, Talwood, Mungindi, Hungerford and other border communities interact with people from other states every day.
“Issues such as property matters, tourism, marketing, transport, emergency service access, licensing and departmental services don’t stop simply because there is a line on the map.
“Queenslanders must be kept safe to protect lives and livelihoods and the people of country Queensland get this. But there is so much work that needs to be done to make sure that border communities are given a fair go when the border gates come down.
“Ideally we would like to have the Cross-Border Commissioner position located in a cross border community, so they can walk in the shoes of those who cross borders every day.”
Member for Southern Downs James Lister said the Commissioner would take the concerns of residents and businesses to deliver plans to prevent further cross border issues.
“The LNP’s plan is about providing support and helping border communities with the unique issues they face,” Mr Lister said.
“We have seen serious hardship arise from deficiencies with the current border bubble arrangements for our border communities, and a Cross- Border Commissioner would really help in making sure that the realities of local border communities are taken into account when decisions are made.
“I am doing, and if re-elected, will continue to do all I can to get the best cross-border environment I can for the benefit of our workers, small businesses, farmers and families.”
“The LNP’s introduction of a Cross-Border Commissioner is part of a wider plan to create a decade of secure jobs, get Queenslanders working again, build dams and infrastructure, and drag ourselves out of this recession.
“Our vision is to make Queensland Australia’s economic powerhouse again, the best place to get a job and get ahead and raise a family.”
