Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Paul Antonio, has called on the Queensland Government to clarify new restrictions for unvaccinated community members that are due to come into effect next month.
“Since the announcement we’ve been getting questions from our community every day and these are the same questions we’re asking the State Government,” Mayor Antonio said.
“When the new rules begin there will be a number of people who might not be able to access a service that they’re used to having which is distressing.
“We’ve been working closely with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) regarding the evolving situation and in recent days received notification that Council facilities would not be included in Queensland’s vaccination mandate.”
He said Council was still awaiting the public health directions to understand exactly how they impact Council facilities.
“For example, which of the many separate facilities operated by Council are still captured under other health directives that would require us to determine vaccination status before providing or restricting entry to the premises?” he said.
“This is the level of clarity we’re hoping will be provided to us as soon as possible. Once we receive these details we’ll be able to plan the impact this will have on our own staff and the members of our community on the facilities Council operates.
“I understand and applaud the Premier in the way she has kept Queensland safe over the past two years however the most recent changes have divided parts of our community, causing confusion and uncertainty.”
He said Council was committed and obliged to follow any current Queensland Government health directives and provide a safe place for its employees and visitors.
“While Council is bound to comply with these restrictions, we know the impact uncertainty is having on our staff and community and will continue to seek answers on their behalf.”
“We will continue to work with LGAQ on this matter and keep the community updated every step of the way.
“As Mayor, I’m proud of the way our medical fraternity and community has responded to the pandemic to date. This is an ongoing battle which we’ve been facing for almost two years now and we all understand the toll it has taken.
“I would like to thank all our residents and strongly encourage all staff and members of the community, who are able to, to get vaccinated as soon as possible. I’d also like to encourage our community to be compassionate to those who aren’t vaccinated as this is a stressful situation for all of us,” the Mayor said.
For more information on the restrictions coming into place from 17 December, visit the Queensland Government’s vaccination restrictions page.
