Brief

Queensland businesses brace for cross‑border headaches as daylight saving returns

Businesses in Tweed Heads and Coolangatta adjust hours after daylight saving began in southern states, while Queensland officials reject new time‑zone ideas.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:54:06 GMT

At 2 a.m. Sunday, clocks jumped to 3 a.m. in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT, giving residents an extra hour of daylight. Queensland did not change its time, leaving border towns to cope with the split.

What happened

Daylight saving took effect in the southern states on Sunday morning, but Queensland stayed on standard time, maintaining a one‑hour difference with its neighbours.

What the reports add

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate reiterated his call for daylight saving in south‑east Queensland and jokingly noted that dairy cows in the region do not support the change. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli dismissed the idea, saying he wants a united state rather than a divided one.

What was said

Cosmetic nurse Ellen Clark, who opened a business in Tweed Heads, said she expects clients from Queensland to arrive an hour early or late. Barber Sean McMillan said he is tweaking his opening hours to accommodate customers on both sides of the border.

How it came about

Queensland previously trialled daylight saving from 1989 to 1992 before a referendum rejected it. The issue resurfaces each year as neighbouring states observe the time shift.

Key facts

Daylight saving began at 2 a.m. Sunday in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT. (smh.com.au)
Queensland did not adopt daylight saving, keeping its clocks unchanged. (smh.com.au)
Mayor Tom Tate called for daylight saving in south‑east Queensland, while Premier David Crisafulli rejected the proposal. (smh.com.au)
Local business owners in Tweed Heads and Coolangatta are adjusting hours to manage the time difference. (smh.com.au)