Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), the traditional owners of Minjerribah and Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), has announced new COVID-safety measures aimed at protecting the health and well-being of guests, staff and Aboriginal community members, particularly vulnerable Elders at greater risk of contracting the virus.
From 17 December, all guests aged 16 and over intending to stay with Minjerribah or Mulgumpin Camping will be required to supply their vaccination certificate, no later than seven days prior to arrival, in-line with new Queensland Government health protocols. Guests who cannot provide a COVID-19 digital certificate verifying they are fully vaccinated will not be accepted – full refunds will be provided for anyone who has already paid.
Chief Executive Officer Mike Fordham said QYAC was extremely concerned that Aboriginal communities would be at high-risk of COVID when large numbers of interstate travelers arrive on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) over the Christmas-New Year holiday period.
“QYAC is committed to keeping all of our visitors, staff and our vulnerable Quandamooka people safe and well, when state borders are expected to re-open on 17 December. We also have a duty of care to our staff working in National Parks, in recreational campgrounds, and caravan parks, who will also be exposed to the incoming tourism population,” Mr Fordham said today.
“QYAC recognises that tourism is an essential economic activity for the islands, but we need to adopt this measure in the short-term, while vaccination rates across Queensland and our local communities continue to rise.
“Minjerribah and Mulgumpin Camping are now communicating with all of our guests about the new guidelines, to ensure minimal impacts to their holiday camping experience over the holiday break.”
