Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has not ruled out further border restrictions as coronavirus cases grow in NSW.
There are reports more areas in NSW will be declared COVID-19 hotspots following a surge in infections stretching from Sydney's south-west, to Port Stephens where a childcare centre and two schools reported positive cases overnight.
"I am absolutely determined to keep Queenslanders safe," Ms Palaszczuk said this morning.
"If we have to declare further hotspots we will declare further hotspots and if there is an outbreak of community transmission in NSW like we have seen in Victoria we will not hesitate to take quick and swift action."
She admitted to being "disappointed" with NSW Premier Gladys Berejikian over her refusal to move the border further south to ease congestion.
"I am disappointed, this was about easing the border communities, it was about making their life easier and it's disappointing but they're NSW residents and there's nothing I can do about that," Ms Palaszczuk said.
No new coronavirus cases have been recorded in Queensland but an historic case from March has since been added to the state's tally.
The premier made a fresh push to encourage visitors into Queensland, saying authorities were "trying everything we possibly can" to ease congestion at the borders.
"It's a big job but this big job is about keeping Queenlanders safe," she said.
Tourism operators across Queensland's north have received a boost after suffering months of losses during coronavirus lockdowns.
The Palaszczuk government has announced the scrapping of fees for those running whale-watching cruises along the Fraser coast.
"Before COVID hit, about $500 million was spent each year in this region," Ms Palaszczuk said, from Hervey Bay.
"Now, July to November is peak season. And there's plenty of whales out there for people to see.
"And we know that our operators have been hit hard during COVID. So today, I'm very pleased to announce that we will be waiving the whale watching fees for the tourism operators right across Queensland for the whale watching season.
"This is equivalent to around $6000. And I know that that will mean a lot to the operators.
"I encourage people across Queensland to come to the beautiful Hervey Bay area and enjoy everything that it has to offer."
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