Kuranda vaccination rate: Concerns for tourist town as borders open

The traditional anti-vax capital of the Far North is steeling itself for a barrage of tourists when border sanctions finally lift.

THE traditional anti-vax capital of the Far North is steeling itself for a barrage of tourists when border sanctions finally lift.

Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Angela Toppin has urged all residents to get the jab to protect their community – but one town still had red flags flapping in the wind.

“Kuranda is an example of a town that has been seriously impacted by the pandemic,” she said.

“Whilst the operators in Kuranda have done an incredible job of adjusting and surviving these challenges, the requirements on the community to be vaccinated will have a direct impact on the next stages of the recovery.

Kuranda has traditionally been the anti-vax capital of Far North Queensland. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

“Council has been proactively encouraging visitors to Kuranda, but we also want to ensure the safety of our residents. As mayor, I strongly encourage all members of the community, from across the shire, to vaccinate.”

Specific data for Kuranda were not available but the Mareeba Shire was sitting at 59.5 per cent first dose and 47.8 per cent fully vaccinated at latest count.

It is well behind the wider Tablelands average – which includes the likes of Mareeba, Kuranda, Yungaburra, Malanda, Millaa Millaa and Mount Garnet – of 69.9 per cent first dose and 57 per cent fully vaccinated.

There is currently no walk-in vaccination clinic in Kuranda but jabs can be booked at the medical centre.

Lockdowns have taken their toll on Kuranda with the return of tourists crucial to save businesses across town. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Covid-19 vaccination program executive director Dr Don Mackie said authorities were working on “the best methods to lift the vaccination rate in the region”.

Cr Toppin urged everyone to take action to protect their families and community.

“I understand that accessing the vaccine has been an issue for some residents, however, there are also some residents who are choosing not to vaccinate,” she said.

“As mayor, I ask those people to come forward and be a part of the solution in the shire.”

Originally published as Kuranda vaccination rate: Concerns for tourist town as borders open