Cairns Covid-19 vaccine rate singled out in Army general’s letter to Bob Manning
The army general overseeing Australia’s National Covid Vaccine Taskforce singled out Cairns’ slow uptake rate, prompting a stern response by Mayor Bob Manning. WHAT WAS SAID.
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THE army general overseeing Australia’s National Covid Vaccine Taskforce has directly called on Mayor Bob Manning to inspire Cairns to shake its status as a vaccination straggler.
Lieutenant General John Frewen wrote to the mayor on Tuesday, urging him to do whatever it takes to drastically improve the region’s dismal jab rate.
“Cairns is among the eighth largest local government areas with the lowest vaccination rates in the country,” he wrote.
“As at October 6, 2021, 68 per cent of Cairns’ population have had their first dose compared with a national average of 79 per cent.
“For second doses, the rate for Cairns is 52 per cent.
“I am keen to work with you to improve vaccination rates in Cairns.
“Community leaders play an important role in ensuring Australians have access to ongoing support and information about the virus.”
The federal pressure comes as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk refuses to give definitive dates for when Queensland will open its borders if vaccination targets are reached.
In any case, Cairns is lagging a long way behind the 80 per cent fully-vaxxed figure that has been bandied about.
Lt Gen Frewen offered to support Cr Manning’s local efforts through public relations videos, or even opening new vaccination sites as necessary.
“I encourage you to consider what opportunities you can leverage in improving vaccination rates in your region,” he said.
“As at October 11, 2021, there are 54 vaccination sites in Cairns.
“There are also opportunities for us to increase vaccine administration services support in your area, as well as establishing new vaccination sites, pop-up clinics, hubs or other vaccination solutions.
“In particular, I am keen to ensure we prioritise the vaccination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and culturally and linguistically diverse communities and people with disability.
“I ask you to consider these communities in your efforts and to let me know of local strategies that could support vaccination of these priority groups.”
Cr Manning has responded to the offer and is expected to speak with Lt Gen Frewen on Thursday about resources, but he laid the blame of slow uptake with the State Government.
“Perhaps the community would have more incentive to get the vaccination if it had a firm date as to when the State Government plans to open the border,” he said.
“New South Wales and Victoria have released road maps out of their lockdowns and been clear as to when borders will re-open, providing their residents an extra incentive to get the “jab”.
Cr Manning said vaccination rates in Indigenous communities were a concern, but it must be recognised that the State and Federal Governments had the primary role here.
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