Camping areas in the State’s National Parks, forests and recreation areas have been reopened following the Chief Health Officer’s approval of the necessary COVID-19 plan.
Minister for Environment and Science, Leeanne Enoch said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service-managed campgrounds, which were closed due to COVID-19, were now once again open to the public.
The Minister said bookings were essential to ensure visitors had the appropriate permits.
“Under Queensland’s plan for recovery, we’re easing intrastate travel restrictions. It’s the perfect time for a winter camping escape,” Ms Enoch said.
“We want to support tourism through Queensland’s recovery plan, Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs, and driving and camping holidays are a terrific way to support tourism.”
She said facilities such as picnic tables and barbecues that service the camping facilities would also re-open, but public showers would remain closed.
“Capacity in some locations may be reduced to maintain appropriate numbers for social distancing in the interests of community health and in line with Queensland Health directions,” Ms Enoch said.
“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers are working hard to ensure that Queenslanders are kept safe when visiting our world-class national parks and State forests.”
She said visitor numbers would be restricted in the Cooloola and Bribie Island recreation areas where a specific COVID-19 Access Authority is required to enter.
She said COVID-19 Access Authorities were available online for no additional cost to the normal requirements of purchasing vehicle access and camping permits, and are a mandatory requirement for access to the four-wheel-drive recreation areas.
