Council update on COVID-19 mandates

discussed the impact of the mandates on businesses in the region.

Council adopted the following points for consideration at the December Ordinary meeting:

That Council issue a public statement and media release advising:

1. That the South Burnett Regional Council will continue to support the COVID vaccination rollout throughout the region;

2. That we acknowledge the rights of our residents to freedom of choice as to COVID vaccination;

3.That mandated restrictions are a matter for Queensland Health and the State Government;

4. That we will provide support to Queensland Health where and as we can to ensure our local hospitals and health services are prepared when the borders open;

5. We will continue to support our local small businesses as we can to address the impacts of the ongoing pandemic including the impacts from the restrictions mandated by the Queensland Government; and

6. Following consultation with affected local small businesses we write to the Premier seeking financial assistance for affected businesses and community groups, and clarity around why some businesses have had restrictions applied and not others.

Councillor Potter today moved a motion that formalised SBRC response and endorsed the framework of a plan to address the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination mandate.  There has been strong feedback from the business community for clear and understandable information that meets the need of affected business to be continued to be supplied to make these mandates work fairly for all.  

Accordingly, Mayor Otto has stated he wishes to see, “Examples of positive steps, including collaboration with local chambers to offer further community workshops, allowing affected businesses to come together, share their learnings and guide each other. To ensure Councillors as community leaders are ‘on the ground,’ providing real time support and assistance and to fund a team member within council to assist businesses to implement creative solutions.”

“Due to conflicting information, we are aware that members of the community have become confused by misinformed rhetoric,” he stated. “Some residents now hold the view that if council followed some other councils, then all South Burnett businesses may well be exempted from the mandates, which is patently incorrect,” he said.

South Burnett Regional Council will continue to encourage residents to actively participate in all actions for the safety of the community and urges all residents to seek advice from their healthcare professional to make their own informed decisions. The safety and wellbeing of our community is our highest priority, and Council will continue to work with all agencies to navigate a workable path forward.

Once again, Mayor Otto states, “Council will have no active role in the enforcement of these mandates.”

For further information on Queensland Health’s current COVID-19 advice and restrictions, visit the website or call 134 COVID (13 42 68).

For further information contact Council’s Executive Services on 1300 789 279, 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.