Western Downs leaders call for residents to receive Covid-19 vaccine

One region on the Darling Downs has had back-up called in to encourage its residents to get the vaccine, having only just hit 55 per cent fully vaccinated. See the region here.

As of Monday, November 1, barely 50 per cent of the Western Downs population were fully vaccinated.

It’s just one Queensland region dragging its feet on the Darling Downs, and now community leaders have been called in to encourage residents to get the jab.

Rural Communities Minister Mark Furner visited a Dalby vaccination hub, saying the region couldn't rest on their laurels.

Minister for Agriculture Mark Furner at a press conference announcing the completion of the first buildings built at the Wellcamp quarantine facility, Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“It has been important that local business leaders and local government leaders like Mayor Paul McVeigh and Deputy Mayor Andrew Smith have led by example and are committed to seeing locals get vaccinated to keep them safe,” Mr Furner said,

“Whether it is offering incentives, providing vaccination information or just getting the message out, these contributions are critical to making sure people in this region are protected against COVID-19.”

Compared to the Toowoomba region with 66 per cent fully vaccinated, and Goondiwindi’s 81 per cent vaccination rate, the Western Downs is one of the regions taking its time rolling out the vaccines.

Western Downs Regional Council mayor Paul McVeigh.

But Mr Furner said the time to hurry was now, before industries were impacted.

“Agriculture is an essential industry in Queensland and a vital part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, so it was really important that the sector stood up when it comes to vaccinations,” Mr Furner said.

“By doing this they make sure that fantastic Queensland produce still gets on plates domestically and around the world, protecting Queensland jobs and keeping more Queenslanders safe.

“Now we need unvaccinated Queenslanders to follow their example so we can once again welcome people from interstate and overseas to enjoy what we love about our state.

“Deputy Mayor Smith and his Western Downs colleagues have an important platform and they are doing what’s best for their community by sharing a strong pro-vaccination message.”

Posted by The Chronicle on Monday, November 1, 2021