COUNCILLOR Abigail Noli will present an alternative to Cr McKeown’s motion regarding the public health and social measures linked to vaccination status at this morning’s Douglas Shire Council meeting.
Cr Noli proposes that Council states:
- Douglas Shire Council is committed, and obligated, to follow any health direction made by the Queensland Government under advice from the Chief Health Officer.
- Douglas Shire Council notes and encourages Queensland Health’s recommendation that residents are to be vaccinated for their protection and that of their community.
Council strongly encourages and actively participates in all appropriate 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.
- Write to the State Government to request that, when implementing the “Public Health and Social Measures Linked to Vaccination Status”, the State Government take all steps necessary to remove and mitigate the risks for businesses when it comes to compliance and the onus is not placed on the businesses.
- Council desires to have no active role in the enforcement of these mandates.
Cr McKeown had earlier given notice of his intention to move the following motion at today’s meeting,
“That the CEO lobby Queensland Premier Palaszczuk and The Queensland Government to advise them of the negative effects the impending vaccine mandate will have on many small businesses, employers, employees, and our community as a whole.”
Cr McKeown reports that he has been contacted by many businesses and held many conversations with owners and operators in the Douglas Shire expressing concern about the ability to carry on business when the new COVID vaccination restrictions come in to force.
He emphasises that “this not a discussion on whether you should be vaccinated or not, that should be an
individual’s choice.”
CR PETER MCKEOWN, DOUGLAS SHIRE COUNCIL
‘These restrictions will force many small businesses to close their doors or not be able to operate to a satisfactory manner due to lack of workforce. It is not only because some staff do not wish to get vaccinated so therefore will not be allowed in the workplace, but also for the reason that they do not want to be placed in the position of possible confrontation when checking/requesting personal information to enforce the mandate.”
Review the full agenda for this morning’s meeting here.
