The Northern Territory has followed the lead of Tasmania and introduced strict new border controls that will impact grey nomads and other interstate travellers.
From 4pm on Tuesday all new arrivals in the Territory will have to self-isolate for 14 days.
In announcing the restrictions, Chief Minister Michael Gunner, said that he was putting the Territory first.
“I’ve seen what’s happening overseas, I’ve seen what’s happening down south and I’m not going to let that happen here,” he said.
Mr Gunner said anyone arriving in the Northern Territory would have to declare at the point of entry that they would isolate for 14 days and let the authorities know where they would be for this period.
“We will have police checkpoints at the border to enforce this requirement,” he said. “We will also have signs on our major roads leading into the Territory so arrivals know exactly what will be required if they enter the Territory … and if you can’t meet those requirements, then turn around and go home.”
There will be some exemptions to the self-isolation requirement for the likes of health and emergency services, defence personnel and freight.
But it is grey nomads who are likely to be most impacted by the new rules, as they draw up their dry season itineraries. NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker has urged tourists heading to the NT to re-evaluate their plans.
“We ask for cooperation — if you have no necessity to be in the Territory, please reconsider your plans,” he said. “We are working towards this being in place for at least six months.”
He said officers would likely be placed on the major roads into the NT — including the Victoria Highway, Stuart Highway and the Barkly Highway.
The ABC reports that NT Police will monitor who is entering the Territory through other means as well, and those caught not complying with the new regulations could face a fine of up to $62,800.
Mr Gunner said it was an ‘unprecedented’ action for the NT, but the health of Territorians came first.
“As of Tuesday, I am saying to the rest of the country: ‘Sorry, but if you’re also not willing to do whatever it takes, then sorry we are shut’,” he said. “Right now, the Territory is probably the safest place in Australia and we intend to keep in that way.”
If they feel this is the best way to stop a speed of this virus then we need to follow the suggestion . It will effect tourism to the area but our native Australians are known to have bad health statistics as it is with out adding this . Hoping all grey nomads stay safe .
We asked corrimal caravan park can we stay on as we would be in one spot through this but the answer was no due to us having pups . They are expecting a fall park Easter and school holidays . So guessing they are putting the finance before health here .
What if you’re just travelling through to get to Qld ?-we are healthy ,self sufficient & wont need to stop & buy anything
I suggest you visit the SecureNT Facebook page and ask questions. From what was said yesterday. QLD yesterday closed it’s border so it doesn’t infect communities
Where would we be able to self isolate in NT? We are currently in WA and are wanting to return to Qld. We are healthy and would be willing to take whatever safety procedures necessary.
I’m a Territorian and will be wanting to cross into QLd around the 2nd April .
I’m relocating to Bundaberg to be with my elderly parents .
Wil I be to enter the state ?