Chamber applauds opening of Qld border

The Gold Coast's peak body for business has welcomed the State Government's announcement that it will reopen the Queensland borders from July 10.

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce President Martin Hall said Gold Coast business owners had been crying out for the borders to be reopened because the economy had a significant reliance on tourism, hospitality, and retail trade.

Mr Hall said the State Government's decision to restrict travel to and from Victoria was sensible considering the recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Melbourne.

"The Gold Coast economy has been one of the worst hit in Australia with businesses in the region reporting massive declines in revenue because of the COVID-19 crisis.

"The announcement of the July 10 reopening of the border provides businesses with clarity about the timelines in the future and will allow businesses to start preparing for a return to somewhat better conditions.

"Managers can now start developing their plans with suppliers, employers and customers

The Chamber's joint CCIQ Gold Coast Pulse Survey Report found three quarters (75%) of the business owners and operators surveyed reported weaker turnover during the March quarter.

"More than one half of respondents experienced a fall in turnover of more than 50 per cent and many Gold Coast businesses were forced to close their doors," said Mr Hall.

"The Chamber believes the State Government did a magnificent job handling the health crisis but has not controlled the economic crisis nearly as well.

"It's decision to announce a reopening of the borders shows it is starting to listen to business concerns."