Mount Isa forum to focus on regional vaccinations

Published Monday, 22 November, 2021 at 06:31 AM

Premier and Minister for the Olympics
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Mount Isa today will host the fourth and final Regional Community Forum for the North-North West Queensland region for 2021, with local forum members, Ministers and Members of Parliament to work on increasing vaccination rates to protect the region from COVID-19.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said since 2019 the forums have been a platform to elevate regional voices in the State, and the local community representatives could now help to increase vaccination rates.  

“With just weeks to go until our border reopens and greater freedoms flow for vaccinated Queenslanders, we are getting the message out – vaccines are safe, effective and our best defence against COVID-19,” the Premier said.

“We want to ensure people living and working in regional Queensland are fully vaccinated to protect their health and the health of their family, friends and community.

“That’s why the vaccine rollout and sharing the opportunities that come with reopening our State will be a key focus of the final round of Regional Community Forums for 2021.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said other local leaders including Hospital and Health Service representatives have also been invited to all seven forums today to focus on the health and economic benefits of vaccinations.

“The Palaszczuk Government values the contributions that forum members make as community leaders,” she said.

“So now we ask them to do what they do best – help us to ensure more of our communities are vaccinated.”

Mount Isa will host North-North West forum members with Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan, Minister for Resources Scott Stewart, Assistant Minister for Hydrogen Development and Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum.

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker, who will chair the forum alongside Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper, said today’s eighth round of Regional Community Forums will also be the last for existing forum members, with their terms to conclude at the end of 2021.

“Through the pandemic, North-North West Queensland forum members have worked together to ensure the sustainable growth and prosperity of the region,” Mr Walker said.

“By sharing public health messaging and mental health services, and contributing to Buy Local campaigns, they have helped the individuals and small businesses to navigate the health and economic challenges of COVID-19.

“And more broadly, they have engaged with Government on priority issues, such as irrigated agriculture and water supply, reliable medical services and skills and training pathways.

“I thank all our forum members for sharing their experiences, ideas and expertise over the last two years.”

Expressions of interest for new members on the Regional Community Forums can be made on the Advancing Queensland’s Regions website.

Regional Community Forums will also be held today in Far North Queensland, Western Queensland, Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday, Central Queensland, Wide Bay-Burnett-Fraser Coast and Darling Downs-South West Queensland.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Minister Ryan: Phil Willmington 0411 535 180

Minister Stewart: Chris Lees 0434 859 940