Queenslanders are making a last-minute mad dash back to their home state from Victoria before strict new border measures come into effect from Friday.
She also outlined new restrictions which would require anyone who had travelled to Victoria to declare their movements and fund their own 14-day hotel quarantine if they arrived after July 3.
While the easing of restrictions was good news for many, for others it has meant a last minute dash and uncertainty for the future.
“I visited my girlfriend in rural Victoria in Horsham and basically was meant to be down there and drive back with her because she is also a Queensland resident,” Sam Gahn said.
“But basically got down there and got the news yesterday and got the first flight back.”
“I’m lucky I wasn’t in a hostpot or anything … but just to got to see how it goes. She won’t be able to come back for a little bit.
“Got four days with her after not seeing her for six months.”
Hannah Wixted also arrived back home in Brisbane this morning after travelling to Melbourne for work.
She was feeling elated to have just scraped in before being required to stay in hotel quarantine.
“Came back, everything was really good. All nice and safe now I have to isolate at home,” she said.
Meanwhile tourism and hospitality businesses have for the most part been celebrating and undertaking preparations for Friday when restrictions on venues are further eased.
At Newstead Brewing in inner Brisbane, manager Mike Slatter has been training his staff to cater for an anticipated influx of patrons.
“We now do table service, a lot of our staff hadn’t been trained to do that before, so it’s been a bit of a rush to get everyone upskilled,” he said.
Further south in the state Star Casino at Broadbeach is preparing for its official reopening at noon on Friday.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Matt Bekier said he’s looking forward to being able to welcome guests back to the casino this weekend.
“The health and well-being of our customers and staff remain paramount as we move to this next stage of reopening our properties,” Mr Bekier said.