TWEED POLICE are urging local and interstate travellers planning to cross the NSW/Queensland border on Friday, July 10, to expect significant delays when the border re-opens.
The new Queensland Border Declaration Passes will also need to be renewed every seven days. Please note to apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass, visit: www.qld.gov.au/border-pass
The Queensland Government has announced that the NSW/Queensland border will re-open to NSW residents from 12pm (midday) on Friday, July 10, with travellers requiring a Border Declaration Pass to enter the state.
Police said in a media statement that the change in entry conditions motorists are being urged to be ready to provide all relevant documentation and identification at checkpoints to assist with reducing delays.
With thousands of motorists expected to be travelling into and through the Far North Coast region, Tweed/Byron Police Commander, Superintendent Dave Roptell, is pleading with drivers to be patient and prepared for a heavily delayed journey.
“If you are choosing to cross the border in the next 72-hours, please be aware we anticipate there will be extensive delays at the major checkpoints – these delays could be more than a couple of hours, with queues potentially up to 20km long,” Supt Roptell said.
“We are working with our counterparts over the border to ensure as smooth a transition to the new border pass system as possible, but we understand this will take time to work through.
“If you do not need to cross the border on Friday, we are asking you to delay your travel for a couple of days to allow for the large influx of traffic to flow through the checkpoints.
“If you do decide to cross the border, make sure you are well prepared – have some snacks and water in the car, stop off at a rest stop or coastal town for a pit stop and bathroom break before piling into the car.
“It will be a long journey, so we are asking drivers to please be patient. Always drive to the conditions, don’t speed to try and get to your destination sooner, don’t have any distractions around you while behind the wheel, and as always – do not drink or drug drive.”
Tweed/Byron police are also reminding holidaymakers coming to popular tourist destinations such as Byron Bay, Bangalow, Ballina and Suffolk Park to adhere to social distancing guidelines and follow current NSW Public Health Orders.
“We are not out of the danger zone yet,” Supt Roptell said.
“With thousands of NSW residents now able to travel across the state, we are seeing a massive influx of visitors to our popular coastal spots.
“Police are continuing to conduct high-visibility patrols in and around the busy strips and ensuring locals and tourists alike are following the current rules.
“Public gathering restrictions, restaurant, café and pub limits and the 4sqm rule are still in place – and of course, if you have any symptoms, go and get tested.”
To see the most up-to-date traffic conditions, visit www.livetraffic.com.