The Northern Land Council notes the decision by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments not to extend the Biosecurity Zones across the NLC area.
The Biosecurity Zones, based upon NT Local Government Authority areas (LGAs) and using powers under the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act, have been in place since 3 February 2022.
Chair of the NLC, Samuel Bush-Blanasi, said they had done their job. "Traditional owners and community members wanted to slow down the spread of COVID out bush and give everyone a chance to get their second and third jabs. The Biosecurity Zones helped slow things down. They've done their job."
The Biosecurity Zones in the NLC region will officially end at 11:59pm on Thursday, 3 March 2022.
NLC Chief Executive Officer, Joe Martin-Jard, said this means non-essential workers travelling into and out of the Biosecurity Zones no longer need to get an exemption.
"Even though the Biosecurity Zones end on Friday, people still need to follow the Chief Health Officer's directions. And people who want to enter Aboriginal land in the NLC area still need to apply for a permit in the usual way through the NLC," said Mr Martin-Jard.
"I would like to thank everyone who has helped implement the Biosecurity Zones, in particular Larrakia Nation in Darwin and the Aboriginal community controlled and government health services across the Top End."
Mr Bush-Blanasi cautioned against complacency. "COVID is out there now. We need to prepare for the next wave because COVID is not going away. That means everyone getting all their jabs and making sure our kids from 5 years old and up also get fully vaccinated".
Remember: Get the Jab, Stay Safe, Stay on Country and Care for Family.
