Strathbogie Shire Council introduces mandatory vaccination policy

A regional Victorian council says it won’t be letting anyone enter its buildings if they are not Covid vaccinated.

Strathbogie Shire Council has introduced a mandatory vaccination policy. Photo: Supplied.

A regional Victorian council plans to turn away anyone unvaccinated from its buildings, including employees and customers.

Under a new policy, Strathbogie Shire Council says its employees, contractors and visitors must be Covid vaccinated to access customer service centres, Euroa cinema and community halls.

Council’s chief executive Julie Salomon said the decision was made to protect the community.

“As local government representatives, we’re here to ensure Strathbogie Shire continues to be a fantastic place to live, work and play,” she said.

“By mandating Covid vaccinations we are doing our bit to drive down coronavirus numbers and keep our community safe.”

Julie Salomon.

Ms Salomon said there were just two exceptions to the guidelines in place.

“These being our transfer stations where unvaccinated people will need to practice social distancing that is appropriate to each site and our maternal health nurses who will still be able to visit unvaccinated people’s homes, but they will need to be wearing full PPE,” she said.

“It‘s important to note this policy does not apply to anyone under the age of 16, so anyone younger will have full access to council buildings and services.”

Strathbogie Shire has hired Covid concierges to help its customer service team and resource recovery centre staff help with visitors signing in and showing their two green ticks on the Services Victoria app or a hard copy of their vaccination certificate.

The policy will next be reviewed in April.

Strathbogie Shire includes Avenel, Euroa, Longwood, Nagambie and Violet Town.

Earlier this year, Bass Coast Shire was the first local government in Victoria to introduce a no jab, no job rule for its 400 staff.

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