Several Queensland government representatives were in Mount Isa on Monday to promote the local vaccination campaign while defending the looming vaccine mandate coming next month.
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Emergency Services minister Mark Ryan toured the Mount Isa vaccination centre before attending the Regional Community Forum where work on increasing vaccination rates was on the agenda.
Mr Ryan said it was important to be vaccinated not only for their own health and the health of family and friends but for all Queenslanders.
"COVID-19 is a disaster affecting humanity and it is important for Queenslanders to step up," Mr Ryan said,
"If people are vaccinated they can minimise the transmission of the disease."
Mr Ryan said the North West shared a border with NT and there were vulnerable communities adding to the urgency.
"If we can limit the transmission of COVID-19 we can limit the impact on those vulnerable communities," he said.
Mr Ryan said from December 17 some venues would become vaccination-only venues.
"So coming into hot weather if you want to remain hydrated by going into a local pub and getting a beer, you need to be fully vaccinated," he said.
Mr Ryan defended the vaccine mandate despite several local outlets saying they might go out of business due to staff shortages because of the mandate.
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"This is a health and safety issue - Employers have an obligation to have a safe workplace," he said.
"There a lot of medical advice around the vaccination only venues and it's about protecting people, patrons and workers."
Mr Ryan advised businesses to talk to staff.
"If staff have concerns, tell them to talk to their doctor and get vaccinated, that's the best way they can protect themselves," he said.
"I've talked to businesses that are encouraged by the (mandate) because it means people can come to their venues in a level of comfort and safety and it also means they can have more people in as a number of other restrictions peel away."
Regional Community Forum coordinator and Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said there was just 25 days before the border opens.
"Even one vaccine in the next three weeks is better than nothing," he said.
"We don't want to see people sick in the hospital here."
Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Taylor used the visit to get his booster shot with people in 1a category now eligible.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
