The small border community of Mungindi have welcomed the decision from the Queensland government to extend the strict border bubble to Moree, NSW.
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The decision comes in the wake of a devastating fire which destroyed the town's only supermarket, butcher store and a clothing store on Tuesday night.
Residents of Mungindi will now be able to access supplies in Moree without jeopardising their ability to access health services in Queensland.
Initially, the government stood firm on its existing border arrangements, but this morning Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk extended the strict border bubble to the affected communities.
"We've had some concerns about boarders going to Moree, and of course we want to make sure that we are putting the best interests of these young people front and centre," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"And that is why we will be adding Moree to our travel bubble.
"This is going to be great news for those families to ensure that they can be home for school holidays.
"Prior to this morning's announcement, a Mungindi resident who went to Moree would have had to quarantine at home for 14 days before being allowed to visit the town's hospital, which is located in Queensland.
Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said she had been working very closely with her counterpart in New South Wales and was confident that Moree is a safe place to add into Queensland's border zone.
"We know that's particularly important - I went and looked into it in great detail because unfortunately when that supermarket burnt down they didn't have a lot of options," Dr Young said.
"So, for a number of reasons, but the most important reason of all, of course, is that it's safe for us to do that.
"So Moree will be included in the New South Wales border zone going forward."
Balonne Shire Council Mayor Samantha O'Toole welcomed the decision, after her intense lobbying to the Queensland government in the wake of the shop fires.
"I welcome the change of heart from the Queensland government," Cr O'Toole said.
"This is a sensible decision and certainly the correct one given the unfortunate circumstances in Mungindi.
"I congratulate (Moree Plains Mayor) Katrina Humphries for her campaign to ensure the residents of Mungindi were not further disadvantaged and it has been a pleasure to work with her to secure this outcome."
