QORF and Nature Play QLD welcome the release by the Queensland government of the “Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions – A step down approach to COVID-19”.

The Roadmap, which was released on Friday 8^th May 2020, provides information about restrictions and continuing conditions, sets out a potential timeline for Queenslanders for how we can actively participate in our communities, and provides some information to support businesses and industry.

The Roadmap, and additional information relating to it are available here. This includes a Frequently Asked Questions document, which includes a section answering questions on recreational activities and businesses and the economy. This is recommended reading.

The continuing conditions at all stages of the Roadmap are:

• Social/physical distancing, 1.5 metres and hygiene
• Stay at home if you’re sick
• Tracking, tracing rapid response
• COVID SAFE Plans

We are seeking additional details regarding what should be included in any COVID SAFE Plans that might be required by outdoor organisations. The Queensland government has provided a link to this Work Safe Qld webpage with information on keeping your workplace safe, clean and healthy during COVID-19. There are also resources available via the Safe Work Australia website.

The Roadmap includes information regarding outdoor activities at each of the three stages of what is described as a step-down approach to COVID-19.

QORF welcomes the distinctions that have been drawn by the government between outback communities and communities in other parts of the state, particularly the easing of restrictions for residents of Outback Queensland to travel reasonable distances within the Outback for recreation.

For outdoor activities, the following are the key points in Stage 1 of the Roadmap (Refer to the Roadmap for full list – non-outdoor activities have been omitted for the purpose of this summary):

Stage 1: four weeks, commencing from 11.59pm, Friday 15^th May 2020

Family, friends and community

• Gatherings of up to 10 people:
• Outdoor, non-contact activity
• Personal training
• Pools (indoor and outdoor)
• Public spaces and lagoons (eg South Bank Parklands, Cairns, Airlie Beach etc)
• Parks, playground equipment, skate parks and outdoor gyms
• Hiking and recreational activities in national and state parks
• Recreational travel (max 150km within your region for day trips)

Outback

• Recreational travel (500km within the Outback if you live in the Outback)

QORF is seeking more detail from government regarding what is required for outdoor organisations to resume organised group activities with up to 10 people in Stage 1, in accordance with the Roadmap. We are conscious of the short timeframe involved for organisations to be ready to operate from day 1 on Saturday 16^th May 2020 – we will do all that we can to assist with this process.

We understand that a review will be conducted by government before the decision is made to move to Stage 2 (from 11.50pm Friday 12^th June at the earliest) and another review before the decision to move to Stage 3 (from 11.59pm Friday 10^th July at the earliest).

More information on what is included at Stages 2 and 3 are in the Roadmap document. We intend to provide more information on those stages as Queensland moves closer to their adoption.

Links ...

• Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions – A step down approach to COVID-19
• Roadmap to easing restrictions (Stage 1) - Q&A
• Information on COVID-19 and work health and safety (Safe Work Australia)
• Keeping your workplace safe, clean and healthy during COVID-19 (WorkCover Queensland)

See also ...

• Coronavirus restrictions to be eased in first step outlined by National Cabinet
• Premier maps road to easing restrictions
• COVID-19 News and Updates (QORF)
• Info and ideas for business operators (QORF)