Queensland Police will impose strict border controls on the state from tonight, restricting non-essential travel to the state.
The restrictions will apply to road, rail, air and sea travel to Queensland, and anyone trying to enter by road will experience long delays, officials say.
"Interim arrangements will be in place to enforce border restrictions from 12.01am tomorrow," state disaster co-ordinator and Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.
"Anyone trying to enter Queensland, particularly by road on the Gold Coast, can expect significant delays from tonight.
"We will aim to prioritise essential food, supplies and services. The community can help us by not trying to cross the border unless their travel is absolutely essential.
"We understand that people will be inconvenienced but these restrictions are being implemented to slow the spread of novel coronavirus..
"We are in the process of developing an online application and exemption system including a help line, but it will not be ready for tonight. We will have work arounds in place tonight but that could contribute to delays."
Anyone who arrives in Queensland from another state or territory from 12.01am tomorrow must self-isolate for 14 days unless they are exempt.
Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said police and other emergency officers under the Public Health Act 2005 would be responsible for enforcing the measures.
"If a person does not comply with quarantine directions, penalties of up to $13,345 for individuals and $66,672.50 for corporations can also apply."
Who is exempt from the requirement to enter quarantine for 14 days
Those living outside the state who provide critical services to Queensland:
- National/state security
- Essential health services
- Emergency services
- Transport of goods or freight including food
- Critical maintenance/repair to critical infrastructure in Queensland
- Mining/energy/agribusiness who have a plan to manage COVID-19 transmission among employees
Compassionate exemptions apply to:
- Carers/relatives of dependent people in Queensland
- Those who need to obtain essential medical treatment including visiting terminally ill relatives in Queensland
- Interstate boarding school students where school is closed
- Those who are required to comply with the law to travel to Queensland (for example, Family Court, parole/bail conditions).
