Redland City Council is urging the state government to plan for the reopening of North Stradbroke Island as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
It comes as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announces further easing of restrictions from May 15, with larger gatherings to be allowed, travel up to 150km and real estate open homes to resume among a range of changes.
Mayor Karen Williams called a Redland City Local Disaster Management Group meeting this week to discuss a potential staged approach to reopening Straddie.
"Following this week's meeting we have written to the state government to request a phased plan to reopen the island in line with state and federal health advice," Cr Williams said.
"We know the island is hurting financially, but we also know there are vulnerable people on the island, so we have asked for a phased process that provides plenty of notice for residents, businesses and tourists.
"...Ferry companies have reduced the number of vessels and their staff have taken leave, so they have told us they need two weeks' notice to return their services to normal.
"Our request to the state government makes it clear that the island cannot just be turned back on at a moment's notice, we need some lead time and planning."
Cr Williams said the recommendation was for a two staged process that allowed holiday home owners access first, followed by day-trippers and tourists.
Cr Peter Mitchell said the fact that such a request was possible was down to the cooperation of the community in following health advice.
Ms Palaszczuk's road map to recovery allows more travel, activities and larger gatherings.
From 11.59pm, Friday, May 15, the following will be allowed:
- Gatherings of a maximum of 10 people together in a public space
- Dining in at restaurants, pubs, clubs, RSLs and cafes for a maximum of 10 patrons at one time as part of a gradual re-opening (no bars or gaming)
- Recreational travel of a radius of up to 150km from your home for day trips
- Some beauty therapies and nail salons for up to 10 people at one time
- Reopening of libraries. playground equipment, skate parks and outdoor gyms (a maximum of 10 at one time)
- Wedding guests increased to 10 people and funeral attendance increased to 20 (30 outdoors)
- Open homes and auctions with a maximum of 10 people at one time;
- Re-opening public pools and lagoons (eg South Bank, Cairns, Airlie Beach) with a maximum of 10 people at a time or greater numbers with an approved plan
For Outback Queensland, where there have been no COVID cases, two special concessions have been made:
- Dining in at pubs and cafes will be up to 20 for locals only, reflecting the important role these venues play in connecting small outback communities; and
- Recreational travel of a radius of up to 500 kilometres reflecting the long distances in the Outback.
Stage Two, effective 11.59pm, Friday June 12 would provide for:
- Gatherings at homes with a maximum of 20 visitors
- Dining-in at restaurants, pubs, clubs, cafes and RSLs for up to 20 patrons at a time and an option for more with an approved COVID-safe plan
- Holiday travel within your region
Ms Palaszczuk said stage three would include reviews of border closures and would build to 100 customers for venues giving certainty to business, and families to plan ahead.
"All things going well, from June school holidays, Queenslanders will be able to drive and stay at accommodation for the first time since the pandemic hit," the Premier said.
Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said increases in COVID-19 cases were possible but manageable if Queensland continued its careful approach.
"People have been wonderful," Dr Young said. "That has got us this far. We have to keep vigilant and take each step carefully."
