The Palaszczuk Government and Queensland’s peak resources body have come together to urge people in regional mining communities to get vaccinated.
Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said getting vaccinated was the best form of protection from COVID-19.
“This is about making sure that workers in our resources communities are healthy and protected from COVID, so they’re able to enjoy time with their family and friends when they’re off the mine site,” Mr Stewart said.
“Queensland will open up on December 17 and we want everyone to be protected so we can reunite families.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to ensure you and your loved ones are protected, and it’s concerning regions like the Central Highlands, Isaac and Charters Towers have lower vaccination rates.”
Mr Stewart said it was important to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect yourself, our communities, and our way of life in Queensland.
“Make no mistake, COVID is a serious disease that can kill or leave you seriously ill in hospital, taking weeks or months to recover,” Mr Stewart said.
“This vaccine push is about protecting our communities, including workers in the resources industry.
“Regional centres are the lifeblood of many Queensland industries like resources, tourism and agriculture – we want to see these towns thrive and stay healthy.
“It’s great to be working with the Queensland Resources Council to spread this message to our regional communities.”
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said low vaccination rates in regional areas were extremely worrying.
“I know it’s not as easy to get vaccinated if you live in a remote area, and for many it might be a long drive, but the opening of Queensland’s border to vaccinated people from hot spots on December 17 means time is running out for people to protect themselves and their communities,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“People who aren’t vaccinated are at higher risk of contracting or passing on COVID-19, and it’s our most vulnerable who pay the heaviest price if they are exposed to the virus.”
