A key Aboriginal organisation has welcomed the reintroduction of movement-restricting biosecurity zones in the Northern Territory, but the tourism industry wants more detail about what it means for them.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced on Wednesday that people will be restricted from leaving or entering remote communities for a fortnight as COVID-19 case numbers continue to grow in the NT.
The chief executive of the Central Land Council Les Turner has welcomed the decision to restrict movement through remote communities.
"A lot of our people are still moving around through communities and as you've seen with the outbreak, it's spreading everywhere.
"We're hoping this window of opportunity will give time for vaccinations to be conducted and increase the vaccination rates especially with the younger population."
Mr Turner said the NT government's lockdowns, lockouts and lock-ins in remote communities were not working to contain the spread of the virus.
Tourism industry seeks clarification
Tourism Central Australia chief executive Danial Rochford said he was still trying to clarify what the biosecurity zones meant for his industry.
He said his reading of the determination meant the resort town of Yulara near Uluru was excluded from the restrictions.
"If you fly into Yulara you're fine because you don't go through a designated area but if you drive from Alice Springs to Yulara you enter a designated area," he said.
But it was unclear if a tourist in Alice Springs might be able to head out to one of the nearby national parks.
"My reading of the determination is no, but we are seeking clarification on this."
Tennant Creek locked down
The Biosecurity zones include Tennant Creek, a major town on the main highway through the Northern Territory.
The Member for Barkly and opposition frontbencher Steve Edgington said the community was taken aback by the restrictions.
Mr Edgington said he was concerned the COVID figures in the region may be higher than the Territory's official tally.
"We were facing quite a chaotic situation … and that's why the biosecurity arrangements are now in place," he said.
"I believe the situation right across the Barkly [has been been played down]."
