Sandy Bolton MP

10 hours ago

UPDATE 7 AUGUST 2020
Apologies for a late and long one tonight, however it was a tough day, as well many questions coming through all channels, so a couple of explanations as well reminders are needed?👍

BORDERS – As posted Wednesday, our border restrictions change after midnight tonight which will also impact QLD residents returning from VIC, NSW or ACT. The following links now have updated information including an excellent Question & Answer section www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-... or the official Border Restrictions Direction (No.11) at www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-p...

BORDER ‘BUBBLE’ GOLD COAST -will have very strict rules and only exists for residents from Tweed Shire Council area and Gold Coast Council area. These residents can travel within the 'bubble' or designated area, however if they step outside the border zone, normal restrictions will apply. An example. If a Tweed Heads resident goes down to Lennox Heads to do some surfing but works in Palm Beach, they won’t be able to come into QLD without paying for mandatory hotel quarantine like anyone else. The ‘bubble’ is very defined with residents who work in Brisbane unable to access the capital city, and is only being setup as cross border communities are very unique. There will be special passes that need to be updated every 7 days, so all care is being taken to ensure the rules are followed. Imagine the difficulty if we had a border between Noosaville and Noosa Heads? 😟This is the difficulty being faced in that community and the reason the ‘bubble’ is being setup.

COVID RESTRICTION EXEMPTIONS REMINDER – The Chief Health Officer (CHO) has said that exemptions will be very rare with these latest border changes, however that does not mean that exemptions will not be granted at all. We have been contacted by some of our residents caught in very tragic circumstances and although we can’t influence the CHO’s decisions, we do recommend that anyone in these circumstances go to healthserviceportal.health.qld.gov.au/hdsp

DECLARED HOTSPOTS – these can be found at the link below, however the short version is as of tonight, it is all of VIC, NSW and ACT. This can change at anytime and anyone travelling interstate is recommended to keep checking at www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/hotspots-covid-19

COVID TESTING – You can easily search for COVID testing sites online, and these are continually changing as needs dictate. As we saw in Brisbane recently, as soon as there is a potential outbreak and a greater need for testing, government swiftly responds with extra testing facilities. Although we currently have no cases of concern in the Noosa region, local medical outreach service, Sunny Street, have setup a testing clinic at The J in addition to our 3 other testing sites. This service operates from 9am – 5pm seven days and you can either drop in or book by calling Sunny Street on 5313 7778. To check for other testing locations please visit www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/stay-informed/testing-and-fev... or call 13 HEALTH.

STATE ROADS – Although there are no state managed roads within the urban area of Noosa, there are in our hinterland regions and on the approaches to Noosa. There are currently responses underway for the issues reported on the Pomona – Kin Kin Rd, so please be extra careful when driving the ‘range’. I will be there in the morning to see the damage that has occurred . A reminder to call 13 19 40 to report a road incident, hazard or pothole impacting traffic and requiring urgent attention on state roads. For local roads you can contact Noosa Council www.noosa.qld.gov.au/about-council/contact-council or use the SnapSendSolve app www.noosa.qld.gov.au/about-council/contact-council/snap-send-solve

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT – Restrictions, lock downs, constant changes, and concerns for our health, businesses and families during this time does take a toll, and the impacts on our mental wellbeing should not be underestimated. If you or anyone you know is struggling, there is help available. From our St Vinnies, Red Cross or Salvos through to information and advice on the QLD Mental Health Commissions website. If you don’t know where to turn to, call any of these organisations, our office (5319 3100) or visit info.qmhc.qld.gov.au/covid19-and-mental-health

RESTRICTION BREAKERS – We have all seen and heard of those not following the current restrictions and thereby putting our residents, businesses, and community at risk. It is not up to us to determine, that is for the police, and ask our 'lookouts' to report any concerns to Policelink on 131 444 or via www.police.qld.gov.au/units/policelink-131-444

MOBILE OFFICE – Rain, hail or shine, I will be during the ‘country’ run tomorrow, with Kin Kin the first stop at 8am. From there to Cooran, Pomona and Cooroy. Under COVID safe conditions, this office will be a tad different than the ‘norm’, with drop ins and street side catch ups! Just message me if you need a dedicated slot, otherwise call out 😊

To finish. As you can imagine, our office continues to be inundated with concerns . Be reassured that QLD’s response strategies and processes include the capacities that were made available during the emergency phase, with the added benefit of all that was learnt since then. So please, all you need to do is as always (yes you know it by heart!!) though there is one extra to add... please no hoarding(I still don't 'get' the passion for toilet paper?) though I confess I am hoarding hug credits!! 😍🤣

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and to those whom are caught in some really difficult situations, we send our heartfelt wishes and will keep working to assist you in any way we can over the weekend.

Sandy 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less