Border changes to aid farmers

By Tania Phillips & Jeremy Sollars

The mayors of both Goondiwindi and the Southern Downs have welcomed changes to the “border bubble” aimed at easing pressure on Queensland and NSW farmers and agribusiness operators.

The new Covid-19 agriculture and agribusiness exemptions are set to be rolled out progressively during the next week after coming into effect at the weekend.

Goondiwindi Regional Council mayor Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said the exemptions applied to farmers, their workers and agribusiness operators in both states who had not been able to service their cross-border operations due to current Covid restrictions.

However, he said the exemptions were not available to seasonal workers.

According to Cr Springborg the exemptions would only allow a farmer, their employees, contractors or an agribusiness operator to go straight to the work site, isolate there and not attend other places out the farm.

He said Council had been working with Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young to achieve this outcome and are very grateful for this additional exemption that will make a significant difference for our region.

The changes come as the border bubble expands to include Urbenville on the NSW side and several Southern Down Villages – a move welcomed by Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi who also praised the efforts of Dr Young.

Cr Vic Pennisi said he has found Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young “fantastic to deal with” and “very receptive” to requests by the council to expand the ‘Border Bubble’ in the past fortnight.

Cr Pennisi said as a result of the Southern Downs Regional Council’s advocacy Leyburn, Allora and Yangan are now in the ‘Bubble’, after local businesses in those areas expressed concern about cross-border movement restrictions affecting employees.

The mayor has also urged residents and businesses, who may be confused about the complex border restrictions to call, the council for clarification and assistance.

“We understand there is a lot of information out there and some of it is misinformation,” Cr Pennisi told the Free Times this week.

“What we’re trying to do in council is to be a one-stop shop for information – people should feel free to call us if they need help understanding the border arrangements.

“We’re particularly aware of people in agriculture, farmers needing access across the border to get to their livestock for example, if they have property on the other side of the border.

“That’s a real concern and I also know the police who are on duty on the borders are working with people and are doing a tremendous job with a lot of compassion.”

To gain the exemption a farmer will need to present proof of property ownership, or a lease or agistment agreement. A contractor will need to provide proof of contract and similarly, a worker will need to provide proof of employment that includes the purpose of travel.

Under the new farm exemptions once a farmer or farm employee has exemption they must carry proof of identity with them at all times. Applicants must also have a copy of the Queensland Chief Health Officers exemption letter, available on the Goondiwindi Council Website.

The exemptions will stay current until 22 September, 2020 unless revoked by Queensland’s Chief Health Officer and Cr Springborg said the applicant must be able to ensure they have not been overseas, a Covid hotspot or in the presence of someone who was Covid-19 active.

He said the exemption must be applied for at the border checkpoint, before exiting or entering Queensland or at Queensland border police stations during business hours with plans to make the exemptions available online in the near future.

For further information the Southern Downs Regional Council can be contacted on 1300 697 372 – the council’s website also has numerous COVID-19 information links including border restrictions – www.sdrc.qld.gov.au . Link – Chief Health Officer letter – Border exemption for farming and agribusiness – www.grc.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/1643/border-exemption-for-farming-and-agribusiness-queensland-chief-health-office

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“A FAIR GO”

Tenterfield businesses deserve a fair go according for State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.

Ms Saffin and her Labor colleagues have demanded help for businesses near the Queensland and South Australia after the NSW Government announced a $45 million program to help “cushion the economic impacts” of the border closure with Victoria.

The package was announced by Deputy Premier John Barilaro earlier this week.

Ms Saffin, who’s electorate stretches along the NSW-Qld border from Murwillumbah to Tenterfield, has asked for a similar program to help businesses affected by the Queensland border closure.

“Businesses on the North Coast and Northern Tablelands are struggling,” Ms Saffin said;

“First drought. Then bushfires and now border restrictions. The NSW Government must intervene to help them survive.”