Border zone areas

Border zone areas are Local Government Areas along the Queensland/New South Wales border zone that may have increased restrictions in place due to the increased risk of COVID-19 transmission in the community. These border zone areas will either be restricted or non-restricted. It is important to note that the restricted or non-restriction status of a border zone does not impact the hotspot status of the area. All Local Government Areas along the border zone are declared COVID-19 hotspots.

 QUEENSLAND TRAVEL DECLARATION

To help keep everyone safe and make contact tracing easier with eased restrictions, from 1am AEST Saturday 19 June 2021 you must complete a declaration to enter Queensland from anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.  This includes the previously excluded NSW border zone residents.

Travel Updates

For the latest Australian travel restrictions, visit Tourism & Events Queensland for their regular updates. 

Domestic Border Restrictions

NEW SOUTH WALES

For the most up-to-date advice from the New South Wales State Government, see https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

For the most up-to-date advice from the New South Wales State Government, see https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/

VICTORIA

For the most up-to-date advice from the Victoria State Government, see https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19

TASMANIA

For the most up-to-date advice from the Tasmanian State Government, see https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

For the most up-to-date advice from the South Australian State Government, see https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/

NORTHERN TERRITORY

For the most up-to-date advice from the Northern Territory Government, see https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

For the most up-to-date advice from the Western Australian State Government, see https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus

International travel

To Australia & Queensland: 
Full details can be found at: www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/quarantine-for-persons-arriving-from-overseas

For advice on returning back to Australia, arranging support to stay where you are and advice for future travel plans, visit Smart Traveller.

For the current information on health recommendations, visit Queensland Health and Australian Department of Health.

For further health advice and downloadable assets on being prepared for COVID-19, protecting yourself and others from getting sick and coping with stress during the outbreak, visit the World Health Organisation (WHO).

If you have any health questions regarding COVID-19, you can phone 13 Health (13 43 25 84) and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Restrictions within Queensland

Queensland has reached 80% double-dose vaccination. From 1am AEST Monday 13 December 2021, border restrictions have eased for people travelling to Queensland from a hotspot, the border zone and overseas.  Full and current details can be found at https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/urgent-covid-19-update

To help keep everyone safe and make contact tracing easier with eased restrictions, the Queensland Government has introduced a travel declaration for those travelling into Queensland and has expended the use of the Check In Qld app. 

From 1am AEST Saturday 18 December 2021, mandatory face mask requirements for all of Queensland were announced and the locations/venues where mask-wearing is required can be found here. 

For more, check  Queensland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Plan To Unite Families - A Plan For Queensland's Borders and the table of changes.

From 17 December 2021, restrictions on businesses have been further eased. Many businesses and venues are able to operating at full capacity.  However, there will be restrictions on people who are not fully vaccinated.

See the Queensland Government's Restrictions at 80% Double Dose page for more information.

For further business advice and permitted operational changes, visit Business Queensland. 

The Queensland Government has released a Roadmap to easing Queensland's restrictions. The roadmap outlines a staged approach to giving Queenslanders more freedom to travel, participate in more activities and hold more gatherings. Included in the roadmap is the easing of restrictions for businesses to ensure businesses can reopen in a way that increases business activity but does not compromise the health of customers, staff and the community. 

For current information on COVID Safe Events in Queensland, visit the Queensland Government here. 

For further information on running COVID Safe Events in Queensland, visit Tourism and Events Queensland here. 

As per the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction, there is a requirement for some accommodation and services types to have a Health Management Plan. This plan demonstrates compliance with COVID-19 public health directions and describes the measures that can be implemented to minimise risks of transmission among residents, workers, people staying at the facility and community. Read the Directive here. 

You can find the guideline for the development of a Health Management Plan here and Health Management Plan template on this page. 

*Note: For seasonal workers, please visit the current Health Direction here and access the 'Seasonal Workers' drop down box below. 

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

If you or your staff can’t work and earn income due to COVID-19 restrictions, you may be able to get the COVID-19 Disaster Payment. Full details can be found at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/

Business resources and support through the Australian Government can be found here.

For any questions, contact the advice hotline for small and medium-sized businesses on 13 28 46 and access further industry-specific advice at Tourism & Events Queensland. 

Tourism and Hospitality Sector COVID-19 Lockdown Support Package

Your hospitality or tourism business may be eligible for support if you’ve been impacted by COVID-19.

More information is available on the Business Queensland website.

Those experiencing financial stress are also encouraged to contact one of the Queensland Government’s free Tourism Business Financial Counsellors or COVID-19 Small Business Financial Counsellors. Find out more.

If you have any questions about support for industry, please contact the COVID-19 Tourism Response Team via tourismresponse@dtis.qld.gov.au .

Further Resources

Business resources and support through the Queensland Government can be found through Business Queensland. 

TAFE Queensland is now providing free online training for hospitality and entertainment businesses to help you and your business manage the new social regulations. Learn how to manage the entry of customers and check vaccination status, and receive training on how to de-escalate difficult customers.

Display these signs to clearly show if proof of vaccination is required to enter your business:

From 17 December – Proof of vaccination will be required sign

Proof of vaccination required sign

Proof of vaccination not required sign

Bundaberg Tourism's Destination Marketing Campaigns

With sentiment for domestic and intrastate travel remaining high, Bundaberg Tourism continues to develop and execute destination marketing campaigns to drive awareness of the Bundaberg region and drive business to our tourism and business community. 

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has launched a fully-funded micro-credentialing pilot program, giving you the opportunity to upskill for free. The courses are delivered online and include several bite-size videos (average 3 mins each) featuring industry experts. On completion of each course, learners will receive a QTIC endorsed Micro-credential. 

Sign up here and find more information can be found here. 

In support of Queenslanders whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19 and are now looking for work, GO1.com, with the support of the Queensland Government, has developed Skills Focus Queensland to provide hundreds of short courses to eligible Queenslanders free of charge. Topics include job preparation skills, sales and marketing skills, IT skills, leadership and health and wellbeing. To register, click here. 

Free to tourism businesses, this program has been designed by the Australian Tourism Industry Council to support businesses in their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and provide assurance to visitors. Completing the program will provide you with a plan and checklist for business cleaning policy and procedures, an editable COVID-19 risk register and use of the COVID Clean logo. Register here. 

The Small Business Skills Hub has been developed by GO1.com with support from the Queensland Government to deliver free online training and learning opportunities for COVID-19 impacted small businesses. This includes foundation business skills, leading a successful business, connecting business and customers, and adaption and digital skills. For more information and to register, click here. 

Due to cancellations, delays and suspension of products and services,  the ACCC has developed a COVID-19 information page for small businesses. If you are unsure of your obligations for refunds and deposits or need advice on supply and pricing issues, the ACCC provides a wealth of information. You can also visit Fair Work Ombudsman for further information on your rights and responsibilities as an employer. 

Additional information can be found at the Queensland Government Office of Fair Trading. 

The Queensland Government has developed a wide range of workplace health and safety resources, posters and fact sheets, helping you to stay informed and manage your business during COVID-19. View these here. 

The Australian Government has created a range of downloadable and customisable collateral. This includes posters, stickers and decals for cafes, restaurants, offices, retailers, sports and entertainment. Download these here. 

Queensland businesses are currently required to take action to manage COVID-19 in the workplace and should have a plan in place to demonstrate this. As this is an existing measure linked to current legislation, we recommend you follow advice from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and access their central hub here. 

For more information, visit Business Queensland. 

As a result of working from home, you may incur expenses that you can claim at tax time.

To claim a deduction for working from home, all of the following must apply:
  • You must have spent the money.
  • The expense must be directly related to earning your income. 
  • You must have a record to prove it. 

If you are unsure as to what and how you can claim from working at home, visit the Australian Tax Office. 

As a result of COVID-19, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has formed a COVID-19 Taskforce to direct resources towards the crisis. 

For advice on your rights in regard to travel cancellations & changes, event cancellations, product price increases, gym memberships, food delivery services, wedding cancellations, changes in services and telecommunication services, visit this website. 

For further information, visit the Queensland Government Office of Fair Trading. 

In these challenging times, it is inevitable that many of us will struggle, including experiencing anxiety, distress, and concern in relation to COVID-19. Support and resources are available to you at all times. You are not alone.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue is here to help people in Australia understand that these feelings can change. The organisation want to equip them with the skills they need to look after their own mental health and wellbeing, and to create confidence in their ability to support those around them. Support is available at all times here.

Headspace (Youth) 

Providing tips and support for a healthy headspace for Youth, Headspace support is available through their centres, online chats and phone services. Find out more here. 

Queensland Government – Your Mental Wellbeing

It’s normal to feel sad or worried sometimes, especially during these changing times. If you’re struggling with your mental health, there is a wide-range of helpful services available to you. Click here to find a provider that best meets your needs.

Other Support

Support is available through many channels, including these.