As some restrictions put in place across Queensland begin to ease, the Queensland Police Service has shared an insight into policing the state’s islands during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From popular tourist hot spots shutting down in the South East to biosecurity declared areas in North Queensland, island-life changed for many communities.
Extra police boarded Water Police vessels, patrolling waterways to ensure boaties were complying with new rules around island exclusion zones while also checking in on isolated communities.
There was restricted access to North Stradbroke, Moreton and Fraser islands during, what would normally be peak season, Easter school holidays.
Police lined ferry terminals to ensure those travelling to island destinations were abiding by essential travel and home confinement public health directives.
Officers stationed on islands conducted patrols, often seeing the unusually desolate beaches, tourist attractions and community hubs.
Additional restrictions were implemented in vulnerable communities such as Palm Island off Townsville which was declared a designated
Skip to content
News and other stories about real people, places, and events in Morningside and nearby suburbs.