COUNCIL CLARIFIES POSITION ON MANDATORY VAX

THE Toowoomba region’s top public servant has revealed where the council stands on vaccine mandates for staff, saying it will follow current government policy on the issue.

With the topic of compulsory vaccinations being raised in government and business circles across the country, Toowoomba council CEO Brian Pidgeon has made it clear workers are being encouraged to get the jab but not forced.

Mr Pidgeon said it would follow any policy changes from the State Government around vaccinations for staff.

“Toowoomba Regional Council is following the recommended state and Commonwealth government health directives concerning vaccination requirements,” he said.

“Council is encouraging staff to have the prescribed Covid vaccinations.

“At this point in time it is not compulsory.

“Council will ensure its policy on compulsory vaccinations complies with any future changes to government policy on the matter.”

Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Greg Hallam said the organisation representing councils was following the recent announcement of vaccine mandates for council workers.

“Our focus is also on ensuring frontline workers are vaccinated so they can be safe as they go about their job of providing essential services to local communities across the state,” he said.

“Councils are encouraging their workers to be vaccinated, and are naturally complying with any chief health officer directives where staff might be mandated to be vaccinated, such as aged care facilities.

“The Victorian Government has issued a health directive that introduces a vaccine mandate for essential workers, which includes council workers.

“We are watching the impact of that mandate and continue to work with our member councils in the best interests of the 40,000-strong local government workforce and their communities.”

As of October 11, the Toowoomba region has 53.9 per cent of eligible residents fully vaccinated.

It comes as the Queensland Government unveiled a reopening road map, with border restrictions starting to ease after the state’s population hits a 70 per cent vaccination rate.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has set a target of December 17 for the borders to be fully reopened, but it could happen sooner if vaccination rates increase.

Queensland was expected to hit 70 per cent by November 19.