Statement from Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O'Toole

The Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) met in St George this afternoon.

The meeting discussed issues surrounding the visit to Balonne Shire over the weekend of a truck driver whose earlier COVID-19 test in New South Wales returned a “Positive” result.

The LDMG has assessed the risk to communities in Bollon and St George – where he stopped for fuel and overnight accommodation – as “low risk”.

The driver subsequently has returned two negative tests in Queensland and the NSW sample is being re-tested.

Everyone regarded as a close contact of the driver in Bollon and St George has been contacted and is in self-isolation.

If anyone in Bollon or St George wishes to be tested for COVID-19, testing is available in both towns. (See below.)

Balonne Shire has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates of any local government area in Queensland and this incident is a reminder of the importance of coming forward and being vaccinated.

Note: Anyone who wishes to be tested for COVID-19 can book an appointment at:
St George Hospital       Tel. 07 4620 2222
Bollon Bush Nurse       Tel. 07 4625 6105