Redland City Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and Redland City Council advise that the State Government has placed a ban on non-essential and holiday travel to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerrbah) from midnight tonight to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Queensland Police will be enforcing the ban and requesting identification, such as a driver’s license, ensuring only permanent island residents and people engaging in essential travel are permitted onto the island.
Essential travel would include travelling for work, medical reasons, emergencies, education, compassionate reasons and to deliver essential services and supplies, such as groceries.
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Non-essential travel includes recreation, tourism, camping, staying in a holiday home even if you own it, and socialising with friends and family.
In line with Australian and State government border closures, anyone travelling to North Stradbroke Island from interstate or overseas will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Chair of the LDMG and Redland Mayor Karen Williams said the ban meant people who had planned to spend their Easter holidays on the island should contact their tourism or accommodation provider to discuss alternative arrangements.
“The LDMG wrote to the State Disaster Coordination Centre this week to urge a decision from them on restricting non-essential travel to our Redlands Coast islands,” she said.
“Our city’s islands have ageing populations and vulnerable communities, including First Nations People and an ageing community, as well as limited medical facilities.
“Now is not the time to holiday to our islands.
“While there is no official ban on travel to our other Redlands Coast islands, the LDMG and Council continue to encourage people to reconsider their need for non-essential travel to Coochiemudlo (Goochie mudlo), Russell (Canaipa), Lamb (Ngudooroo), Macleay (Jencoomercha) and Karragarra islands, all in Southern Moreton Bay.
“The island transport is often crowded, especially at peak times, including Easter, which makes social distancing difficult.”
For updated health information, visit the Queensland Health website.
