Travellers urged to delay visit and go home

The Balonne Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is urging travellers to postpone their visit to the Balonne Shire in line with guidelines set by the Prime Minister and State Government.

LDMG Chair Richard Marsh said the group’s focus was to ensure the health and safety of shire residents during this unprecedented pandemic.

“All tourists who are still planning to visit, or have recently arrived in, the Balonne Shire are strongly requested to cancel these plans for 2020 and return to their home base,” he said.

“The Prime Minister and Queensland Premier have called for a stop to all non-essential travel. While we would like you to visit, we would prefer you stay home and plan another trip next year – for your safety and that of our communities.

“Our small shire is not the place for you to wait out COVID-19 as many of our services and facilities are closing and we are not able to cater for extra numbers.

“Balonne medical services are designed for our small population and we simply won’t be able to cope with an outbreak of COVID-19 in our towns.

“The LDMG will continue to monitor advice from the Australian and Queensland governments, consider how that impacts on our region and act accordingly.

“We are putting the health of our communities first and for that we make no apology.”

For the latest information on COVID-19 please go to https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19