Mareeba Shire Council wants Annastacia Palaszczuk to reconsider vaccine mandates
A Far North council is taking a stand against the state government’s Covid vaccine mandates, while a regional businessman says the rules “defy logic”. HAVE YOUR SAY
Cairns
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MAREEBA Shire Council will ask the state government to reconsider its move to bring in restrictions for unvaccinated people from December 17.
It held a special meeting on Thursday and heard from 20 concerned business owners.
Mayor Angela Toppin said the council would urge the government to look at the impacts of its directives on businesses.
“We are respectful of the fact the community has a choice, but we also fully acknowledge the great work done by the chief health officer and the State Government in keeping us safe,” she said.
“There are new restrictions which will be imposed on unvaccinated people – this has caused significant concern among those choosing not to be vaccinated and the businesses which will be off limits for them,” Cr Toppin said.
“A council has no powers under the Public Health Act and is required to adhere to the directions given by the chief health officer, however, we can advocate on behalf of our communities.”
“It is a challenging time.”
She said Mareeba Shire vaccination rates had improved significantly.
From December 17, a wide range of businesses will be required to restrict entry to unvaccinated people, including employees.
Only 63 per cent of the Mareeba Shire population have received two doses, compared with 76 per cent for Cairns and 72.5 per cent for Tablelands.
Cairns Regional Council recently asked the state government to “take all steps necessary to remove and mitigate the risks for business when it comes to compliance”.
Meanwhile, Tablelands restaurant owner Ian Fielding says he can’t understand why restrictions will apply to venues like his but not to food courts in shopping centres.
Mr Fielding had the business Longevity in the food court at Smithfield Shopping Centre and Cairns Central when Covid first emerged and now has the Gillies cafe at Lake Barrine.
“When Covid first hit, the food courts were the first places to get shut down, and one of the last to come back into operation,” Mr Fielding said.
“It is a complete and utter contradiction and I can’t get answers – it defies logic.
“The government had incentives to get workers up here, now, if I have to get rid of four or five of my best workers, what am I to do?
“What they are doing is just destroying businesses, potentially,” he said.
Mr Fielding said he had repeatedly contacted Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and other ministers but had not had his questions answered.
About 500 people attended a rally ahead of a Tablelands Regional Council meeting last Thursday.
The council subsequently moved that under advice from the State Government chief health officer, it supported the intent of Covid vaccinations.
“Council also respects the right of individuals to make their own choice with regards to a Covid vaccine,” the motion stated, adding that council would forward all letters received on the issue to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Two similar rallies have been held in Mareeba.
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Originally published as Mareeba Shire Council wants Annastacia Palaszczuk to reconsider vaccine mandates
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