RESIDENTS of outback Queensland will be allowed overnight stays within 500km of their homes as coronavirus restrictions ease this weekend.
People living in the 23 local government areas defined as outback Queensland will be permitted to spend the night at their destinations, so long as they remain within a 500km radius of their homes and do not venture into regions that are not classed as outback.
The state government guidelines for stage one of easing restrictions in Queensland were updated online this week, to allow for "recreational travel including overnight accommodation max 500km within the outback only if you live in the outback," from 11.59pm tomorrow.
The guidelines released a week ago allowed for travel within 500km in the outback, but made no mention of overnight stays.
Now, campgrounds, tourist parks and accommodation houses can cater for guests, but people must socially distance and gather in groups of no more than 20 people.
Carpentaria Shire Council said they had received advice from the Queensland government that recreational travel including overnight accommodation of 500km within the outback is now permittable, on the basis that you live in the outback.
"This meaning that any towns from surrounding outback areas within a 500km radius of Carpentaria Shire can travel here and book in tourism parks and accommodation overnight," a council spokeswoman said.
However people wanting to travel to the Carpentaria Shire will still require a permit, with this process currently under review.
Carpentaria Deputy Mayor Bradley Hawkins said he hoped the easing of restrictions would provide a boost for the local economy.
"Our tourism has been hit hard over the past few months and this will provide a much needed boost to local business," Cr Hawkins said.
It comes as barbecues, swimming areas, playgrounds and shower and toilet facilities will re-open this weekend at Seqwater and Sunwater dams, lakes, weirs and recreation areas.
However, camping grounds at these facilities will remain closed.
All fossicking areas across the state will also re-open from midnight Friday.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the re-opening was in line with the state's COVID-19 roadmap to easing restrictions.
"This is another step toward the gradual reopening of our popular public spaces across the state as we make a safe COVID recovery," he said.
"Queenslanders can now get out and about on our lakes, dams and weirs with barbecues, playgrounds and designated swimming areas available again from 12pm on Friday 15 May at Sunwater facilities and 6am Saturday 16 May at Seqwater facilities.
"However, I remind everyone it's important that we all stick to the rules so we all stay safe as we can.
"That means maintaining social distance, gatherings of up to 10 people, and only travel up to 150 kilometres or up to 500 kilometres for outback residents.
Queensland Police will be working with staff from Seqwater, Sunwater and DNRME to ensure that visitors are adhering to the Chief Health Officer's direction, including social distancing requirements.
Recreational travel to remote communities remains banned.
These areas include the Cape local government areas of Aurukun, Cook, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Napranum, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw, Torres Strait Island, Torres, Wujal Wujal and Weipa.
Travel to Burke and Doomadgee and the local government areas of Cherbourg, Mornington, Palm Island, Woorabinda, Yarrabah is also not allowed.
