Tulloona residents granted exemption for border crossing

Goondiwindi Regional Council has been in regular contact with Queensland’s Chief Health Officer (CHO) over recent weeks to advocate for the needs of our broader community including those residents in northern NSW. 

Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg, AM said “I am pleased to advise that the residents of Tulloona 2400 have been granted an exemption to cross into Queensland.  This exemption is effective immediately and will be valid for three months [until 27 November], unless otherwise revoked or updated by the Chief Health Officer.”

“This exemption does not apply to all residents of the 2400 postcode, it is specific to those with Tulloona 2400 listed as their place of residence on their driver’s licence.

“Goondiwindi Regional Council understands that the safety of Queenslander’s is the Chief Health Officer’s primarily role.  We thank Dr Young for her compassion and understanding as Council has championed solutions to address the border restriction challenges, including the addition of postcodes like North Star, additional exemption category for farming and agribusiness and now an exemption for Tulloona 2400.”

The exemption allows the Tulloona 2400 residents to enter Queensland for any purpose, however the CHO and Queensland Police have confirmed that this exemption does not permit Tulloona residents to enter Queensland beyond the border zone [bubble].  Non-compliance can result in fines and mandatory quarantine at their own expense.

“Tulloona residents will not be required to complete the Queensland Border Declaration Pass.  The exemption will be applied at the border crossing when entering Queensland.  We strongly recommend that residents carry a copy of the CHO’s exemption letter, a copy of which is attached to this media statement. It is also available on the Goondiwindi Regional Council website.” Cr Springborg said.

Tulloona residents crossing into Queensland must also be able to ensure that in the past 14 days, they have not been overseas, in a COVID-19 hotspot, or in the presence of someone who was COVID-19 active.

Link to Queensland Chief Health Officer – exemption letter for Tulloona 2400 residents - https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/council/disasters/covid-19-information