Scenic Rim Regional Council recognises community concerns

Scenic Rim Regional Council will implore the Queensland Government make sure it has conducted a thorough risk-based assessment of the mandatory vaccination requirements in its COVID-19 public health directions to ensure local businesses are protected and community concerns are taken into account.

Division 2 Councillor Jeff McConnell tabled a notice of motion at Tuesday's Ordinary Meeting held at Boonah which led to the discussion, and subsequent unanimous support from Councillors that Council advocate as a matter of urgency to the Queensland Government the following:

1.       That Council acknowledge and recognise the concerns of community members that support a pro-choice COVID-19 vaccine approach; and

2.       That Council implore that the Queensland Government only include in COVID-19 public health directions, mandatory requirements that demonstrate strong risk-based assessment, to avoid dividing our community by placing severe mental and financial hardship on our local business owners, their employees, residents, and members of the public.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said today's decision demonstrated democracy in action.

"We respect that there's diversity of opinion within our community,” he said.

"As reaffirmed in the resolution, like many councils in Queensland, we are concerned about the impacts of some requirements on the mental and financial well-being of our local businesses, their employees, residents, and members of the public.

"While Council did not adopt a pro-choice position, it did recognise and acknowledge the community concerns of those who support a pro-choice COVID-19 vaccine approach.

"Council is acutely aware of the differing perspectives held across our community and it is our role as elected members to advocate on behalf of all members of our community."

Earlier this month, Mayor Christensen wrote to the Premier seeking a meeting and reassessment of all aspects of the Queensland Government's COVID-19 Roadmap Transition, more clarity around how the process was determined; and to advocate for a more balanced solution.

A gathering of people unable to attend Tuesday's Council meeting in-person due to COVID-19 restrictions, attended peacefully outside Council's Customer Service Centre at Boonah.