Cairns venues ramp up security ahead of vax mandate launch

A leading FNQ security firm is urging Cairns residents to have proof of being fully vaccinated accessible on their phone and be patient ahead when the Covid mandate starts on Friday.

A CAIRNS security firm is asking people who intend to visit a pub, club or restaurant from Friday December 17 to think ahead and download details on their phone ready to prove they are fully vaccinated as required by new restrictions in Queensland.

Elite Security Personnel managing director Troy Woodall said his team will be at client venues checking for proof of full Covid vaccination compliance.

Mr Woodall, 46, said he is hopeful that people will be prepared and have a copy of their Covid-19 digital certificate or a printed copy of their immunisation history statement or exemption.

“From Friday all our staff will be working and for many venues there will be ramped up security with extra guards,” he said.

Elite Security Personnel general manager Michael Nobes and managing director Troy Woodall are preparing for the extra workload of manually checking that all patrons follow the government mandate at the Cock and Bull Tavern at Cairns North. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Some of the venues are starting with security guards at midnight on Thursday in anticipation of the 5am curfew on Friday.”

Mr Woodall who founded Elite Security Personnel 12 years ago, said most people have been very reasonable and complying with entry to sporting and hospitality venues via QR codes as required.

“My understanding is that most people have been complying fairly well and as we moved from physical sign-in to digital very smoothly, I am hoping for a flow-on effect with vaccination status checks,” he said.

“Although I imagine it could initially be a bit trying, I ask everyone to be patient.”

Mr Woodall said his staff will be working at venues across Far North Queensland including, Cairns. the Tablelands, Normanton and Weipa.

Originally published as Cairns venues ramp up security ahead of vax mandate launch