Palm Island’s disaster centre closes after the worst of the pandemic passes

No lives have been lost due to the Covid pandemic on Palm Island after locals observed stay home requests, participated in widespread testing, and turned out in force for vaccinations.

PALM Island’s Disaster Operation Centre has been stood down after the community successfully weathered the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic without the loss of life.

Reflecting on their success, the island’s mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chairman Mislam Sam said the “huge effort” by the community to co-operate and protect each other had paid dividends.

Prior to Christmas he said they received a “very sobering” warning from Queensland Health about a potential large loss of life due to community transmission and the low vaccination level on the island.

Palm Island mayor Mislam Sam has praised locals for stepping up against the pandemic.

“Sixty-four days ago on New Year’s Eve we received the dreadful news that community transmission of Covid had been detected on Palm Island – and it was really the beginning of the perfect storm,” Cr Sam said.

“The Palm community responded marvellously by observing our stay home requests, increased vaccination campaigns and widespread testing allowing us time to slow down the spread and help the vulnerable members of our community to finish their vaccinations etc.

“We now have on Palm a vaccination rate in the high 80 per cent overall and it is without a doubt the key factor in avoiding the potential high hospitalisation and death rate occurring in other large indigenous communities – such as the NT.”

With the state wide mandates changing last Friday and Queenslanders transitioning to living with Covid in the community, Cr Sam said the time was right to stand down the LDMG, close the disaster centre and Covid support line, and transition to business as usual.

Cr Mislam Sam has called on Palm Island locals to get their boosters. Picture; Evan Morgan

Given that 29 Covid positive cases were detected on Saturday, and the total number of infected estimated to be closer to 100, Cr Sam said they were focused on completing the vaccination boosters at the Palm Island Community Company.

“JPHS (Joyce Palmer Health Service) and Queensland Health will keep up their testing regimen and virtual ward through March,” he said.

They will continue to check compliance with recommended safety guidelines, test wastewater, the LDMG will meet twice weekly, and daily updates about the outbreak will be shared on social media.

The mayor urged the community not to drop its guard, especially with their elders needing to return home and stay protected in the Sandy Boyd Aged Care Hostel.

Adventures beckon after Magnetic Island pathway opens

Magnetic Island’s residents and visitors can safely walk between Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay after works recently completed on the Nelly Bay Pedestrian Link.

The new pathway is located along Nelly Bay Road, from the lookout point above the Base Backpackers to the apex of Nelly Bay Road.

Jointly funded by the Townsville City Council and the Queensland government’s Transport and Tourism Connections Program, construction started on the $835,000 project in October 2021.

Mayor Jenny Hill said the new pathway enhanced road and pedestrian safety, allowing people to be more active on the island with better connection between the two bays.

“Previously, pedestrians were required to share the road with motorists for a short distance, making it potentially dangerous for all users,” Cr Hill said.

“Now construction has finished, the pathways between the two popular destinations are connected to a hiking track, which will enhance the visitor experience on Magnetic Island and improve safety for people travelling in the area.

“We expect the popularity of Magnetic Island as a tourism destination to continue to grow as visitors look to explore the area’s beautiful beaches and natural environment, and council is committed to renewing and improving infrastructure on the island as this demand grows.”

The mayor said the pathway construction was more complicated than usual because of the location and environment it was being built on.

The Nelly Bay Pedestrian Link providing pedestrians with a safe travel route between Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay. Picture: TCC

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the Transport and Tourism Connections Program helped improve access to Queensland’s world class tourism destinations, enhance visitor experiences, and grow the tourism industry.

“Magnetic Island is the jewel in Townsville’s tourism crown, and we want locals and tourists to be able to get around the island safely,” Mr Stewart said.

“This project is a win-win for the community – it will enhance the current pedestrian link while at the same time supporting jobs.”

Originally published as Palm Island’s disaster centre closes after the worst of the pandemic passes