Border Zone expansion to Moree a sensible decision

Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole has welcomed this morning’s Queensland Government decision to include Moree in the Queensland-New South Wales Border Zone.

It means residents in the border community of Mungindi will be able to access supplies in Moree without jeopardising their ability to access health services in Queensland.

Prior to the change in position, a Mungindi resident who went to Moree would have had to quarantine at home for 14 days before being allowed to visit the town’s hospital, which is located in Queensland.

The decision comes in the wake of a devastating on Tuesday night, which caused $1 million worth of damage when it wiped out the town’s only supermarket as well as two other shops.

Initially the Government stood firm on its existing border arrangements before intense lobbying from the Balonne and Moree Plains Shire Councils.

“I welcome the change of heart from the Queensland Government," Mayor Samantha O'Toole said.

"This is a sensible decision, and certainly the correct one given the unfortunate circumstances in Mungindi.

“I congratulate Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries for her campaign to ensure the residents of Mungindi were not further disadvantaged and it has been a pleasure to work with her to secure this outcome.”