Dear Premier Palaszczuk,
Queensland Restrictions at 80% Double-dose Vaccination.
Since the State Government announced its position on linking vaccination status to Public Health Measures – a plan for 80% and beyond, the Southern Downs Regional Council and I personally, have received many community requests seeking assistance towards a more workable and equitable solution.
I have attached a selection of those requests for your information.
As it currently stands, these changes will take affect from 17 December, or when 80% of Queenslanders aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated – whichever comes first.
While allowing a number of freedoms to return for those vaccinated, those unvaccinated in the community will have many restrictions in place beyond this date for a period that is not entirely clear.
Council fully understands and supports your efforts to protect all Queenslanders.
Unfortunately, the position proposed when the State hits 80% double vaccinated (Queensland State Average) will severely impact smaller communities.
Many local governments are currently severely impacted with skill shortages and there is a concern that if the restrictions proceed as proposed, those local government areas, such as ours; will be detrimentally affected.
Premier, I am concerned about the impact the proposed restrictions will have on my community.
Council is acutely aware of the need to protect our community from COVID-19, however, Queensland has been able to maintain very low rates of transmission even with the number of people unvaccinated.
As the numbers of residents fully vaccinated increases, is there a need for the planned level of mandates?
Is there a risk that we are creating a divide within our communities based on vaccinations?
As a result, what will be the short, medium and long term effect on individuals, families, friends and more broadly, the community as a whole?
Premier, I understand you have all Queenslanders’ welfare to consider and I appreciate the difficult task you have in navigating this once in a lifetime pandemic for our State.
However, as Mayor of the Southern Downs, and listening to the feedback I have received, I respectfully request due consideration be given to the restrictions proposed when the State hits 80% double vaccinated as there may be other alternatives, such as mask wearing by the unvaccinated, that achieve the same level of community protection without creating the same level of community divide.
Premier, once again, thank you for taking the time to hear from the Southern Downs, which is a great place to live, work, play and stay.
Should you have any queries regarding the above please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you wish to have someone from your office speak to a Council officer, please contact Mr Michael Bell, Manager Community and Cultural Services, who is also Council’s Local Disaster Coordinator on 0487 301 898.
Yours sincerely,
Vic Pennisi
Mayor
Chairperson of Southern Downs Local Disaster Management Group
