Queensland has gifted itself a “billion-dollar Christmas present” with the announcement the Sunshine State will reopen to millions of Sydney residents on December 1.
Victorians could also be allowed back into the state on the same day if it reaches the 28-day milestone of no unlinked community COVID-19 cases on Wednesday.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday announced Sydney had now met the requirements chief health officer Jeannette Young had set to reopen the border, with a decision on Victoria to be announced on Wednesday.
“I hope this is welcome news for Queensland families in time for Christmas,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Everything (in Victoria) is looking positive.”
Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive officer Daniel Gschwind said it was “tremendous news”.
“It’s a relief and a timely Christmas present Queensland has given itself and all the tourism operators in the state,” Mr Gschwind said.
“It was critical to have this announcement now so we can salvage some of the summer season for the all-important interstate market. Hopefully the airlines can now respond.
“Operators from Coolangatta to Cairns will rejoice at the opportunity to get back to what they do best, which is to provide great experiences to visitors from around Australia … This really sets them up for a more positive end to the year.”
Queensland Tourism CEO Daniel Gschwind, pictured with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the border opening was ‘tremendous news’ for the state’s tourism industry. Picture: News Corp/Attila CsaszarSource:News Corp Australia
Mr Gschwind said Queensland’s economy was boosted by about $10 billion each year from interstate tourists, with the summer season the most profitable.
“Those dollars circulate all around the state and provide 200,000 jobs,” Mr Gschwind said.
“This (announcement) is very significant for every Queenslander.”
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