The Today show’s weatherman Tim Davies has copped significant heat from frustrated viewers following his reports from idyllic, sun-soaked Queensland during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sunshine State was quick to ban travellers from coronavirus-stricken Melbourne and recently closed the border to all New South Wales residents in a bid to slow the spread of the deadly respiratory virus.
In stark contrast to the situation in Queensland, Victoria is under draconian stage-four lockdown restrictions, with residents required to wear a mask or face a $200 fine, after coronavirus cases spiralled during the state’s second wave.
Understandably, some Melburnians have taken offence to Tim’s easygoing and carefree weather crosses, which also appear to double up as promotional tourism segments.
Viewers have blasted Tim for enjoying yacht rides, road trips and blissful tours in the Whitsundays, Burleigh Heads and Noosa – despite these destinations being closed to visitors from Victoria, NSW and the Australian Capital Territory. (People from Western Australia and the Northern Territory can still travel to Queensland.)
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Backlash: Today show weatherman Tim Davies (pictured) has copped significant heat from frustrated viewers over his reports from idyllic Queensland during the COVID-19 pandemic
Tim hasn’t been shy about documenting his travels across Queensland while filming weather segments for the Sydney-based Today show.
On Monday, Tim shared a picturesque snap from the Whitsundays to Instagram, which he captioned: ‘NEED AN ESCAPE FROM COVID HELL? Let me take you to a world away on @thetodayshow this week.
‘Actually, I’m in our own backyard “WHITSUNDAY WEATHER WEEK” will have you feeling adventurous, inspired, “fine and sunny” for when those borders re-open.’
Many of his followers thought the post was insensitive, with one commenting: ‘So this is supposed to make people in Melbourne feel any better?’
One person relayed the harsh realities of living in Melbourne, saying: ‘I’m so depressed with my 5km radius, curfew and being trapped in my house I think I’m taking a break from social media it makes me so sad.’
Taking action: The Sunshine State was quick to ban travellers from coronavirus-stricken Melbourne and recently closed the border to all New South Wales residents in a bid to slow the spread of the deadly respiratory virus. Pictured: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park
Grim: In stark contrast to the situation in Queensland, Victoria is under stage-four lockdown restrictions, with residents required to wear a mask or face a $200 fine, after coronavirus cases spiralled during the state’s second wave. Pictured: Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews
Another said: ‘I kind of hate you right now Timmy, says me from Melbourne’. Someone else added: ‘If only we could get out of Melbourne…’
A Channel Nine representative told Daily Mail Australia: ‘The viewer feedback we’ve received has been very positive. Tim has been presenting the weather in Queensland for more than a month before the state borders were closed.
‘The segments feature locations to holiday in as well as communities doing their bit to support charities.
‘With the weather being warmer and Queensland playing host to some of the world’s most beautiful locations, the segments are an armchair traveller’s dreams and allow our viewers across Australia to plan on where to eventually travel once we’re allowed to.’
‘Supposed to make us feel better?’ Some Melburnians have taken offence to Tim’s easygoing weather crosses, which also appear to double up as promotional tourism segments
‘Kinda hate you right now’: Viewers have blasted Tim for enjoying yacht rides, road trips and blissful tours in the Whitsundays, Burleigh Heads and Noosa – despite these destinations being closed to visitors from Victoria, NSW and the Australian Capital Territory
Tim has been documenting his envy-inducing job on social media since arriving in Queensland a month ago.
He recently uploaded a video montage of the highlights from his trip so far, in which he urged his followers to visit Queensland.
‘We seriously have it all in our own backyard. Go see it for yourself sometime!’ he said.
The post confused some of his followers, including one Victorian who said they would have been in Burleigh Heads right now had it not been for the lockdown and border closures.
‘Need an escape from COVID hell?’ Tim has been documenting his envy-inducing job on social media since arriving in Queensland a month ago
Documentation: He recently uploaded a video montage of the highlights from his trip so far
Another commented: ‘Oh this looks amazing… I’m stuck in Melbourne but maybe one day I’ll be welcomed back.’
On Tuesday morning, Victoria recorded 19 deaths and 331 new COVID-19 cases.
The figure brings the state’s coronavirus death toll to 247 and the national figure to 332.
New daily case numbers have declined in Victoria since the peak of 725 on August 5.
Not anytime soon! In the video, Tim urged his fans to visit Queensland once they’re allowed to