Border bubble is big trouble for Byron Shire

Published on 07 August 2020

The Queensland Government is being asked to reconsider its ‘border bubble’ which has effectively cut the Byron Shire in half.

Mayor Simon Richardson said he understands the decision was made with the best interests of Queensland residents and those living on the border in mind but it will have enormous ramifications for people living and working in the Byron Shire.

“This decision means people who work in Queensland, or who need to go to the Gold Coast or Brisbane, and who live at Brunswick Heads for example, must make a choice to cut themselves off from the southern part of the Shire.

“Brunswick Heads is in the border bubble, but Mullumbimby is not so anyone needing to go to the Gold Coast will then not be able to travel five kilometres to their local supermarket at Mullum,” Mayor Richardson said.

“I support the Queensland Government’s decision to protect their residents, but this cut-off at the 2483 postcode is ill-conceived,” he said.

“For many people in our community they will be cut-off from the rest of the Shire, unable to get to sporting fixtures or meet friends.

“Even for our staff who live on the Gold Coast – they can travel to Brunswick Heads, but not to our offices in Mullumbimby or Byron Bay,” Mayor Richardson said.

“I have been very loud and clear about people doing the right thing to stop the spread of COVID-19 so we can get through it as fast as possible but I question this decision by another state to arbitrarily create a division in our community without any consultation.

“Council will now be appealing to the Queensland Government for some exemptions or a change in the border community boundary,” Mayor Richardson said.

For media enquiries contact Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson, on 0427 076 834.