Croppa Creek and North Star have now been included in the Queensland border 'bubble', as well as Deepwater and Emmaville, bringing relief for many NSW residents who have been literally cut off from medical services, businesses, schools, jobs and even family.
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The changes take effect from 1am Thursday, August 20.
The change to restrictions has come after intense lobbying from communities and politicians, both local, state and federal, on both sides of the border.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall was one of the most vocal voices calling for the border bubble to be expanded.
On Tuesday evening he said the inclusion of North Star, Croppa Creek, Deepwater and Emmaville was welcome news, but still plans to continue to fight to include the whole Local Government Areas of Moree Plains, Inverell and Gwydir.
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"Thank you to everyone who has helped achieve this result," Mr Marshall said.
"But the battle continues to other communities in the region and other sensible exemptions in exceptional circumstances, including critical education, agriculture and emergency services activities."
Goondiwindi Regional Council said additional clarity and a streamlined process for border exemptions such as medical and specialist agriculture exemptions, are being developed by the Queensland Government to make it "easier and seamless for people" to enter Queensland.
"I understand that we may still have other northern NSW residents who could benefit from being in the bubble, such as Moree postcode residents," Goondiwindi Regional Mayor, Cr Lawrence Springborg said on Tuesday afternoon.
But it may be some time before there are further changes to the "bubble" according to Cr Springborg.
Queensland's Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young has indicated further discussions about these areas will only occur once community transmission throughout NSW is brought under control.
"We acknowledge the outstanding job Dr Young continues to do in keeping Queenslanders safe during the COVID-19 pandemic," Cr Springborg said.
"The Goondiwindi Regional Council also acknowledges that a postcode boundary system assists the police in being able to definitively protect Queenslanders interests during the pandemic by knowing the primary address of those crossing the border.
"(However) Dr Young understands the anomalies with the current postcode boundaries and was happy to address them," Cr Springborg said.
It was agreed that Queensland residents with a primary residence postcode within the Goondiwindi Regional Council boundary would now be included within the bubble, this includes Weengallon and Daymar (4497), Limevale (4384), Inglewood (4387), Gore and Cement Mills (4352).
"Many NSW residents also form part of our community and we have secured an agreement that residents in Croppa Creek (postcode 2411), North Star (postcode 2408), Deepwater and Emmaville (postcode 2371) will also now be in the bubble," Cr Springborg said.
"I am also happy to confirm that NSW residents in the border bubble with children in a Queensland boarding school will also be able to take them to school without quarantine and will be able to visit them, including if they board outside the bubble zone in Queensland.
"We thank Dr Young for listening and recognising the unique nature and needs of our border community."