COVID-19 response and updates

(as at 22 October 2020)

The Queensland and Australian response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic continues to evolve, with measures being put in place to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and safeguard the health and safety of the community.

Queensland Health is leading the Queensland Government’s response and it is important for all Queenslanders to keep informed and follow the latest health advice - www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus

The Department of Environment and Science is actively managing its response in line with the latest advice from health experts and has activated its Business Continuity Plan to ensure it is able to continue to deliver core services.

Supporting Queensland’s environment, economy and its communities remains a top priority and we continue to deliver all environmental management, protection, incident response and regulation services.

To safeguard the health and safety of the community and support affected industries, the following arrangements are in place.

• The operations of public facing DES offices may be affected during this time. The best way to contact the department is by phone and email.
• National park and state forest day use areas, walking tracks and camping areas are open. To book camping visit the Queensland National Parks Booking Service and visit Park Alerts for information about specific locations and latest updates.
• Cooloola and Bribie Island Recreation Areas have been designated Restricted Access Areas under the Recreation Areas Management Act to assist with managing visitor numbers and community safety as part of the government’s COVID-19 response. Visitors must secure a COVID-19 Restricted Access Area Authority to enter these Restricted Access Areas before travelling even if you hold a valid vehicle access permit. This is available for no additional cost to the normal requirements for vehicle and camping permits. For more information, visit the Queensland National Parks Booking Service.
• Cultural institutions and arts centres have reopened in line with the easing of restrictions and with the relevant COVID-safe plans in place. Some public events have been postponed or cancelled while others are being reimagined and delivered in alternative ways.  Following the announcement of the $22.5 million Arts and Recovery Package in June, Arts Queensland is rolling out a range of funding opportunities to strengthen the sector’s foundations for the future, drive new creative work, employ artists and arts workers, retain our skilled and talented creatives, and importantly, ensure the activation of our venues.
  Find out more at www.arts.qld.gov.au
• The Odour Abatement Taskforce shopfront at Ipswich is closed.
  The Taskforce is still responding to odour complaints which can be made by calling 1300 130 372 (option 3) or through the online form.
• The Queensland Herbarium public reference centre is closed until further notice. Personal deliveries of specimens can now be accepted. Specimens can also be sent by post or Queensland.Herbarium@qld.gov.au
• The Queensland Government will defer the commencement of the new or expanded cropping and horticulture activities requirements and the new sediment and nutrient emission standard for new point source activities under the Reef protection regulations until 1 June 2021. Public consultation on the draft standard conditions for new or expanded commercial cropping and horticulture has also been suspended and will recommence later in 2020.
• COVID-19 information and resources are available for environmental authority holders.

As the situation evolves and to ensure continuity of the delivery of our critical services we may be required to enact further business continuity plans. We will keep you informed of any changes that may impact service delivery and operations as soon as possible. Read more about the best way to contact us.

For the latest information about the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 response visit www.qld.gov.au