Firstly, thank you for making the effort to support our bid for a testing clinic in Port Douglas.  We appreciate your effort in signing our petition.

We have an update to share on our petition.

Queensland Health have responded by introducing two new measures. Unfortunately, both are an inadequate response to  our community needs:

• Queensland Health have set up a testing station from 17 – 20 December in Port Douglas.  This is redundant because interstate travellers who require a five-day test only start arriving on December 17th and the earliest date, they require a COVID test is therefore 22 December.
• Additionally, they have arranged complimentary transport to Mossman Hospital.  This however involves only a 13- seat mini- bus which will not even begin to meet the high- volume demand.

Hotels, apartments and resorts around the Shire are reporting that guests are contacting them in disbelief that Port Douglas will not have a COVID testing centre. Visitors are understandably distressed about the requirement to go to Mossman for the Day 5 test, especially as most do not have a car.  Many cancellations have been reported, as well as amended bookings to reduce stays to shorter than five days.  This is not good for our local economy. Nor is it good for our community health.  Most people want to comply with the Queensland Health regulations for the greater good.  However, we have to make this achievable and practical for them. 

So please keep sharing this petition.  The more signatures we have in support, the more Queensland Health is likely to listen.

With thanks again,

Protect our Paradise