Minister Craig Crawford visited Mount Isa and Doomadgee on Wednesday as part of a mission to boost vaccination rates in the north west ahead of the December 17 border opening.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Mr Crawford said he was meeting with elders and community leaders to try and close the gap in vaccination rates with Indigenous communities lagging behind state averages.
"We can't be under any illusion that this is a southeast, or Brisbane virus," Mr Crawford said.
"December 17 the borders open and the first planes will be flying in on that day and the Delta virus will be on board - it's only a matter of days before someone is on a plane to Mount Isa.
"It will get here and it will move quickly."
However, Mr Crawford said he hoped to see the vaccination rates perking up to aim for the 80 per cent double-dose rates by that date, which would drastically lower the strain on the North West Hospital and Health Service.
"The goal is we want to get to 80 per cent double vaccinated - there are still going to be a lot of people exposed and at risk."
Read more:
The Minister had breakfast with Mount Isa City Council mayor Danielle Slade and the CEO Wednesday morning before flying out to Doomadgee and said the figures were slightly down, but a solid foundation.
"I had a conversation with the mayor and the CEO about the ideas that they have for here - we'll certainly have a bit of a look at that - their numbers aren't too bad - there is still a little bit of complacency, but also a bit of hesitancy."
He said misinformation on social media had been a pain point for the vaccination rollout, but was hopeful input and guidance from civil and community leaders could boost the numbers.
Mr Crawford said people needed to be aware the virus was indiscriminate and would not be contained to the coast or to Brisbane.
There have been no reported cases in the NWHHS, but location and even the heat will not be a factor when borders re-open, the Minister said.
"The heat and humidity play in our corner, but we can't be complacent and think those things alone will stop the disease."
Speaking specifically of of Doomadgee he said the first dose rate was at 69 per cent, which was better than some more regional communities, but about 10 per cent lower than the state average.
Second dose rates sit - on average - around half of the first dose in north west communities and Mr Crawford said part of the challenge would be mobilising people to get their second jab.
"The specifics vary, but on average there is double the first dose than the second dose, it's almost two-for-one," he said.
"It's one thing to get people to turn up for their first dose - but we have to get people to line up for their second dose - that challenge doesn't end until we get that second jab into arms."
Mr Crawford was hopeful to meet with community elders and report back to cabinet on Monday with "local intelligence, ideas and opportunities."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
Bookmark https://www.northweststar.com.au/
Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Google News
Jacob McMaster
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
