Kuranda resident defends freedom to choose as vaccine mandate arrives

As Queensland wakes up to a new era of Covid restrictions, one resident of FNQ anti-vax capital Kuranda, said it’s all about “freedom to choose”.

FREEDOM to choose, is the philosophy behind the decision of one resident in the Far North’s traditional anti-vax capital to refuse vaccination.

Lara Joffe, 40, lives in the rainforest township of Kuranda in the Mareeba Shire Council, which has one of the lowest Covid-19 vaccination rates in Queensland.

As new rules come into effect this morning which bar unvaccinated people from pubs, cafes, bars, hotels, festivals and sporting stadiums, FNQ residents queue out the doors at vaccination hubs including the Cairns Convention Centre.

Now the borders have reopened, the tourist town which hosts large numbers of visitors via the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway will once gain be bustling.

However, Ms Joffe who has two children, said she opposed any government directions involving vaccinations – and she’s not alone.

Kuranda resident Lara Joffe said the issue is not being vaccinated or not, it is about the freedom to choose. Ms Joffe is against the Queensland Government's mandates that will be introduced on December 17, restricting the movements of unvaccinated citizens over the age of 16. Picture: Brendan Radke

According to the Australian Government Operation Covid Shield as of December 12, geographic vaccine rates for the Mareeba Local Government Area were 79.1 per cent for first vaccination and 69.1 per cent for fully vaccinated residents compared with Cairns LGA which was ranked as 90.4 per cent and 81.8 per cent respectively.

Ms Joffe who has lived in Kuranda for eight years, said freedom to decide what goes into her body is the issue.

“For me it’s not about whether I am vaccinated or not, it’s about having the freedom to choose,” she said.

“It’s about feeling that our basic human rights are being eroded when our government who we don’t largely trust are taking away our freedoms to choose what is going into our bodies.

“The reason we are standing strong is we want to create a future for children with the freedoms we have taken for granted.

Booster shots are in high demand at the Cairns Convention Centre. Photo: Alison Paterson

“What is concerning and alarming for me is children at the age of 12 cannot sign their own consent form for school excursions but they can make a massive medical decision.”

Ms Joffe said she’s concerned people are being told to get vaccinated or lose their job.

“It is hugely disappointing that we are living in a culture where we have no distinction against sexual preference, race or gender, but now we are making this hugely dividing thing in an area where we are not even wearing masks and have not needed to do QR codes,” she said.

“A lot of the local business owners I have spoken to don’t love it and don’t want to discriminate.

“Suddenly it is on them to enforce the rules, we will have 15-year-olds at Foodworks behind the counter who will have to enforce sign-ins.”

But not all Mareeba Shire residents share this view

Myola resident Kat Thompson said she has compromised immunity due to a medical condition, and is about to receive her Covid booster vaccine.

Myola resident Kat Thompson who has MS said she choose to fully vaccinated to protect her from coronavirus. Picture: Brendan Radke

Before relocating to the area two years ago, Ms Thompson, 55, was a frequent visitor and has strong connections within the local community.

“The main reason I chose to be fully vaccinated is because I have MS (multiple sclerosis) and my autoimmune system is compromised,” she said.

‘I had my first jab in June and will have my booster today.”

“While I am absolutely concerned that people are not vaccinated, I do respect their choice and I know the people in my circle are doing the right thing with hygiene and social distancing.”

However, Ms Thompson said she advocates people protect themselves and loved ones.

“When people tell me they have chosen not be vaccinated, I go ‘why not?’ instead of ‘you should’,” she said.

“We need to teach each other not to take our loved ones for granted any time because this what is it is all about, if you are not vaccinated do not go visiting grandma because she is totally vulnerable.”

Ms Thompson said she hoped that the people operating shops, bars, restaurants and festivals choose to follow the new Covid mandates.

Originally published as Kuranda resident defends freedom to choose as vaccine mandate arrives