THERE are calls to further ease restrictions in coronavirus free areas of regional Queensland in line with those classed as the outback.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington today wrote to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urging her to prioritise regional economic recovery in areas that have had no recent cases of the virus.
"Geographically, most of our state has no active cases and there is an opportunity for regional economies to be fast-tracked out of lockdown," Ms Frecklington wrote.
"If you look at the Queensland Health regional breakdown yesterday, there were only 18 active cases across the state, with 12 in Brisbane, three on the Gold Coast, two in Cairns and one on the Sunshine Coast.
"That means there were no active cases between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns, a distance of over 1500 kilometres.
"There is no reason why businesses in places like Townsville, Mackay, Central Queensland, Wide Bay and the Darling Downs can't see a lifting of restrictions earlier, while maintaining appropriate social distancing and other mitigation measures.
"These regions are not covered in the outback concessions and they are crying out for economic leadership."
From this Saturday, pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to reopen for dine-in customers across Queensland, with limited patrons.
In 23 local government areas classed as outback Queensland up to 20 people will be allowed in a venue at any one time.
Those in the outback will also be able to drive up to 500km from home for recreational purposes, so long as they stay in the outback zone.
In greater Queensland, which encompasses all areas of the east coast and some inland areas, no more than 10 people will be able to be seated at any one time.
Day trips of up to 150km away from home will be permitted, as will gatherings of five people in the home, or 10 people outdoors.
Ms Frecklington said Queenslanders had done an outstanding job in flattening the curve and stopping the spread of coronavirus in our state and she welcomed Prime Minister Scott Morrison's leadership in delivering a roadmap to recovery.
However, Ms Frecklington said it was up to the state government to determine when restrictions were eased and said it was important the health crisis didn't become a deep and widespread economic crisis.
"Former Under Treasurer Frankie Carroll said last week that almost 300,000 Queenslanders would be out of work because of coronavirus and many others have taken pay cuts or forced to take annual leave," Ms Frecklington said.
"This health crisis must not be allowed to become an economic crisis, with jobs needlessly lost in regional communities.
"There must be a common-sense approach to easing restrictions and saving jobs in regional economies.
"A one-size-fits-all approach to lifting restrictions won't work in a state as large and diverse as Queensland and it doesn't make sense either."
