Theme parks in Queensland are bracing for raised capacity now restrictions are beginning to ease. Photo / File
Queenslanders will enjoy further easing of restrictions from next week, as capacity increases outdoors, including at cafes, stadiums and theme parks.
Queensland will enjoy a further easing of restrictions from next week, as capacity at outdoor dining venues, stadiums and theme parks doubles.
From 1am on October 1, density restrictions will ease at outdoor bars, cafes and restaurants from one person per 4sqm to one person per 2sqm, which will effectively double capacity.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed the good news as the state recorded another day of no new Covid-19 cases.
"More people will be able to meet in their local beer garden or in a cafe," Palaszczuk said.
"This is what some of the businesses have been calling for. It's going to be very welcome."
The easing of restrictions will also mean capacity at outdoor events with a CovidSafe plan has been doubled, from 500 to 1000.
Stadiums will also increase capacity from 50 per cent to 75 per cent, to coincide with the AFL Finals Series.
"We're taking Queensland outside," Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.
It comes as the state opens to ACT residents. Effective from 1am on Friday, ACT residents are now able to fly into Queensland without needing to quarantine, with dozens expected to arrive on the seven flights bound for the sunshine state today, in time for school holidays.
Five flights from Canberra will touch down at Brisbane Airport, and a further two at the Gold Coast.
It coincides with newly-eased restrictions for southeast Queensland residents, after the region on Thursday marked 14 days without any community transmission in the community.
As a result, from Friday gathering restrictions have been eased from 10 to 30 in Brisbane Metro North, Metro South, and West Moreton Hospital and Health Services areas.
Restrictions on aged care and hospitals have also eased, with visitors now allowed inside the facilities, and an easing of personal protective equipment requirements for health care workers.
From next Thursday, Queensland's border restrictions with NSW will ease slightly, allowing quarantine-free travel between Queensland and parts of northern NSW, namely Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Glen Innes shires.
It will coincide with the withdrawal of ADF support from Queensland border, which has resulted in a bitter war-of-words to erupt between Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.
Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski told the Today programme on Friday they were ready for the changes, as negotiations had been ongoing for a while.
"We know that there's an extreme weather season coming, so we have to get ready for that," he said.
"We understand there is a balance there. Of course we wanted them to stay longer because they add so much value."
Gollschewski said he was "hopeful" police would be able to manage the increased workload.
"It's really important that everyone continues to do the right thing."
On Thursday, chief health officer Jeannette Young warned Queenslanders not to become complacent, saying the virus posed an "ongoing risk".
"If you're in an environment that you can't socially distance, you should still be wearing a mask," she said.
"I think that might have to be a new way of living for the foreseeable future."
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