Queensland could force locals to pay for a Covid test for interstate travel

Queensland is just weeks away from hitting its 80 per cent double dose vaccination target, but even when the state hits the milestone, a number of bizarre restrictions are expected to stay.

The Sunshine State hit 70 per cent double dose vaccination earlier this week, allowing thousands of Queenslanders stranded across Australia to return home.

And when the state hits 80 per cent - currently projected to occur on or before December 17 - all Australians, even those living in hotspots, will be able to cross the border.

This, however, is on the proviso they’ve returned a negative Covid test within 72 hours of their flight into Queensland and are fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

The same travel freedoms will also be afforded to Queensland residents, with many hoping to go interstate during the festive period.

But as set out in Queensland’s road map, revealed by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on October 18, a negative Covid test is still required whether you enter the Sunshine State by road or air. And the negative test within 72 hours applies to anyone who’s been to a hotspot within 14 days.

Getting a Covid test to travel must be done by a private lab, with pathology centres charging anywhere from $150 to $300 for a PCR swab, depending on how quickly you need it.