In a move not seen since the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919, Queensland has closed its borders to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On the normally-laidback Twin Towns tourist strip, barriers and police checkpoints have been set up on roads heading north across the border, with motorists stopped and asked to show they have a Queensland Entry Pass.
Marine Rescue Point Danger‘s base in the Captain Cook lighthouse straddles the State border and its members live on either side of the dividing line, which normally goes largely unnoticed by the locals, other than to mark the demarcation between two separate time zones during daylight saving each year.
Like other MRNSW volunteers, Point Danger Unit Commander Glenda Ashby, who lives in Maroon territory, has been staying home and staying safe.
When she needs to report to the base, her route is on Queensland roads but the trip home down the aptly-named Boundary Street takes her into NSW, past the roadblocks and frequently-assembled media to a police checkpoint.
In recognition of the vital mission of MRNSW to save lives on the water, UC Ashby has been granted an entry pass so after a friendly word with a member of the Queensland constabulary, she’s on her way back north
She said the unit was maintaining its services with one radio operator rostered on duty per shift and rescue vessel crews operating on a call-out basis in response to emergencies but she was ensuring that members were able to stay connected.
“Everyone else is staying home. We’re sending out memos and newsletters to keep people up to date but I’m ringing our volunteers to let them know I’m thinking about them and am concerned for them and their families,” she said.
“I think it’s helped lift people’s spirits and I want them to know their health is the most important thing.”
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