The Queensland Government’s decision to add the Clarence Valley and other NSW local government areas outside greater Sydney to its so-called border bubble is welcome news for both sides, but comes much later than it should have and still involves unnecessary red tape, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis. “The Clarence Valley has a far cleaner COVID-19 record than Queensland, so it was always ridiculous to ban locals from visiting Brisbane and the Gold Coast,” Mr Gulaptis said. “Because the 32 LGAs in Sydney are still excluded, Clarence and Richmond Valley motorists will still be forced to download, complete and display border permits and face often lengthy queues at the border.” “It has caused untold grief for hospital patients and families wanting to visit loved ones as well as unnecessary economic harm to small businesses on both sides of the state line.” “In fact the whole border closure was clearly election politics rather than science as claimed by Queensland Labor. The Clarence hasn’t banned visitors from Sydney and we haven’t any cases for months.” Mr Gulaptis said he knew of at least one constituent who wanted a short break on the Gold Coast but had to stay at Twin Towns, a resort so close to the border that she could see the Queensland police border checks.