Turning Queensland's "back" on NSW country cousins could have a double whammy on the viability of Goondiwindi, driving families and businesses to Moree.
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The Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce is writing to the Queensland Premier as a matter of urgency" urging the State Government to add North Star, Croppa Creek, Yallaroi, Tulloona and Pallamallawa to the "border bubble".
"We are asking for an immediate revocation of the current border bubble postcode restriction. There is no COVID-19 in any of our communities, on either side of the border and we urge the Queensland Government to base community "bubble" inclusions on local government areas not postcodes," Chamber President, Clive Quartermaine said.
It's a view backed by Acting Gondiwindi Regional Council Mayor, Cr Rob Mackenzie.
"It just makes sense," he said.
He has written to the Queensland Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young, asking communities such as North Star and Croppa Creek be included.
"The feedback we've received is that they are taking everything onboard. I'm hopeful they will take notice of us," he said.
The Chamber of Commerce said on Monday, while the concerns of Queenslanders over COVID-19 had to be addressed, there were practical and economic issues which have to be taken into account.
Including, not just the short-term loss of business, but the long-term impact on Goondiwindi and the Chamber. Restrictions have raised the spectre of businesses being forced to look elsewhere to keep their operations running, such as Moree. And then not coming back.
"We do not want to lose business to other areas for reasons we cannot control," Mr Quartermaine said.
"We want to be viable businesses that continue to employ people from our border community and service them in their business operations, which include agriculture, transport and trucking, and providing general service be it, veterinary, medical, dental and social and sporting support."
Southern Downs Local Member, James Lister said it was a "real concern".
"That's not what we want to see. Bubble restrictions need to reflect our communities and how they work on the ground," he said.
He said on Monday he will address the Queensland Parliament on Tuesday over the issue.
The "bubble" exclusion is another reason why 2020 has become a annus horribilis.
"We have been drought affected since 2016. Many employees were not eligible for Job Keeper payments as businesses could not prove a trading downturn due to COVID-19 because they were already trading in drought terms," Mr Quartermaine said.
"The impact of the current restrictions will impact our ability to continue to employ hundreds of local people."
The Chamber said the impost on the border community could change the social and economic fabric of the border region.
"We are not asking for handouts and we are not asking for any assistance
"We do however ask for government action to support our on-going capacity to remain a viable local businesses and to ensure the self-reliance of the border communities."
For questions on individual cases you should call Queensland's COVID-19 hotline on 134 268.
