WHAT REALLY MATTERS? IT COULD BE A STATUE

DECEMBER 17 is here, and with it, a new set of guidelines which herald another milestone in this pandemic recovery. People will now have to show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter hospitality and entertainment venues, including pubs, cafes, restaurants and stadiums. It’s been a sticking point for those pro-choice and anti-vax, prompting “freedom” rallies, but regardless, it’s here.

New chief health officer John Gerrard has been clear from the start of his stint that Queensland was walking away from border closures as a weapon to fight Covid and that there would be no backdown from the December 17 mandates.

Businesses are concerned but police, including Commissioner Katerina Carroll, who was in Cairns this week, are confident they can handle the restrictions.

Commissioner Carroll expected there to be some confusion in the first days, but that would ease going forward as people became more familiar with the rules.

There should be no tolerance for those aggressive to staff — they have not made the rules.

Hopefully Commissioner Carroll is right and there is no violence.

Our region is throwing its doors open to visitors, and locals are spreading their wings, eager to travel, but for many in the Far North, there have been more important issues than Covid. The housing crisis, crime and finding a job or an employee.

And then there is the Captain Cook statue. What is to become of this iconic – or infamous (depending on which side of the fence you sit) – statue which must make way for our muchneeded university hospital?

Well, that’s now up to those who are willing to put their best ideas and money forward.

May the best idea win.

Jennifer Spilsbury

Editor