The federal government has confirmed that about 3500 refugees from Syria and Iraq will be resettled in southeastern Queensland.
The Ministry of Social Welfare says the refugees are part of a commitment by Australia to receive 12000 Syrian refugees who will be resettled in Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast and Toowoomba..
A spokesman said they would only resettle refugees in places with mature services.
Multicultural institutions and city halls in several parts of the state, including Townsville, Rockhampton`s Western Downs, west of Toowoomba, previously said they could accept refugees.
Prior to his election to step down, the former mayor of Western Downs, Ray Brown, publicly publicized a demand for 1500 Syrian refugees in the region to be resettled in the rural town of Dalby..
But current mayor Paul McVeigh says he welcomes the decision not to send refugees to the region.
"Ray Brown meant well. But it will be a big burden for our community. "Councilman MrVeigh said.
"We do not object to the resettlement of refugees in this area, but if they come, we hope that those families will be integrated into our community, become part of the community, and truly become Australians."
Some of Toowoomba`s newest residents are looking forward to a safe and peaceful Christmas at their new home.
Zainabu and her son, Abdul-Aziz, are from the Congo, but have lived in refugee camps in Uganda for six years.
"this will be the first Christmas for me and my son to have a good time." She said.
"I am not safe in Africa. I can`t care about Christmas. If you`re not safe, how do you enjoy it? Christmas was always sad at that time. "
Dozens of locals in Townsville, prepared donations, gifts, and even rooms to prepare for Syrian refugees. But Townsville`s multicultural support center manage
Meg Davis said that although her organization was listed as a potential service provider, she was told the government would not send refugees to North Queensland.
"We don`t have a mature Syrian community here, and if no one speaks the same language and has the same experience, it`s a challenge for those who want to be here." She said.
Ms. Davis said the federal government`s decision was also based on a desire for newcomers to be accommodated with people they knew.
"most Syrians say they have relatives and friends in Australia and they are in the south and in big cities." She said.
The Ministry of Social Welfare says a small proportion of the 120 million refugees have arrived.
From July 1, 2015 to December 2, 2016, nearly 1,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees were resettled in Kunju. About 550 of them are in the additional 12000 places, "the spokesman said.
But refugees are free to move within Australia after settling in.
Humanitarian immigrants, like other permanent residents of Australia, are free to decide where to live. So the refugees may move twice when they arrive. "
