North Burnett Council resolution voicing ‘grave concerns’ on vax mandates

Outgoing North Burnett Mayor Rachel Chambers has declared health risks from Covid-19 “are only one risk to our community” while voicing concerns on the state’s vaccine mandate.

Despite the North Burnett region sitting well behind the state average for Covid-19 vaccinations, the local council has moved a resolution calling on the State Government to consider ‘alternatives’ to mandates.

Outgoing Mayor Rachel Chambers issued a statement labelling the proposed vaccination mandates “unfair” on the community and a “step too far”.

“We understand the motive behind the State Government’s latest plan is to encourage greater vaccination rates through a carrot and stick approach,” Ms Chambers said.

“I hold grave concerns this approach will unfairly punish many within our community and ultimately decimate our local businesses and I know I am not alone with many around the council table and within the wider community holding similar views.”

Data shows 65.6 per cent of North Burnett residents aged 16+ at fully vaccinated, with nearly 78 per cent having received one dose.

Queensland as a whole is 74.5 per cent fully vaccinated and 85.3 per cent have had a single dose.

From December 17, only fully vaccinated people will be able to attend hospitality venues such as hotels, pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants or cafes and indoor entertainment venues such as nightclubs, live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres or cinemas.

Ms Chambers said claimed many small businesses could close their doors should the mandate come into effect.

“The new rules will not only mean they will lose customers, but staff as well,” she said.

“It will also mean greater costs incurred. Already businesses have approached us to say they will not survive these changes as these are the same businesses that have been the most impacted by previous restrictions and shutdowns.

“Once again, they are the ones being asked to do the work, without compensation, without extra resources and without a clear understanding of their obligations.”

She went on to say community members had shared views believing the mandate “contradicts a range of freedoms”.

However in a facebook comment, Ms Chambers said she didn’t have numbers on how many had shared their views, stating “there was no time to gather data”.

At Wednesday’s general meeting, the council moved that it give the following feedback to the Premier:

• Many of the North Burnett community are concerned as to the detrimental effect proposed mandates will have on their business and industries.
• Many of the North Burnett community are concerned that their freedom of choice and other associated freedoms are being taken away by coercive means.
• Many of the North Burnett community are not anti-vax but are anti-mandate. There is still much confusion from business owners surrounding their obligations and liabilities.