Understanding the local impacts of the State Government’s 80% vaccination rules

COVID-19 restrictions are set to change significantly in Queensland, including Ipswich, from 17 December or once 80 per cent of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated.

In November 2021, the Queensland Government – which is responsible for managing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in our state – announced measures relating to unvaccinated people, including restricting entry into some public places.

Ipswich City Council, along with councils across Queensland, has questions about how these restrictions will impact council facilities, services and events and, as a group, is urgently seeking clarity from the Queensland Government.

When that urgently needed clarity is provided, council will advise the Ipswich community through its many regular communication channels, including this website, social media, local media, newsletters, correspondence to our stakeholder groups and at our facilities.

Questions regarding the requirement for mandatory vaccines, as outlined in the State Government’s COVID-19 roadmap, should be directed to Queensland Health.

You may also find useful the Questions and Answers section on the Queensland Government’s 80 per cent double dose vaccination restrictions page, qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/queensland-restrictions-80-percent-vaccination

A safe place

Ipswich City Council is committed – and obligated – to follow any current Queensland Government health directives and provide a safe place for its employees and visitors.

This council continues to strongly encourage the vaccination of its employees, contractors and visitors. Currently there are no vaccination mandates in place for residents accessing Ipswich City Council services.

Masks and travel

Queensland has reached 80 per cent single-dose vaccination, which means face mask restrictions have eased. Travel restrictions are also set to ease further when the state reaches 80 per cent double vaccination.

Check the Queensland Health website for more updates, qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19

#IpswichTogether

We are a city of innovative, resilient people and businesses who have the know-how and the resources to get through this – together.

Ipswich City Council is launching Ipswich Together, a response and recovery campaign to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the community, business, cultural and sporting groups across our city. Ipswich Together includes a range of community and council events and initiatives over the coming months to support our community through the pandemic.

Council has already actioned a number of responses to support the community through this time:

Latest updates and announcements

Stay informed with announcements and updates from council via this webpage and Ipswich First.

Covid relief and recovery

Council has directed support funding to Ipswich businesses, community and sporting groups.

A number of support programs will be released over coming months aimed at providing quick response funds to local businesses and organisations most in need. The funds will enable recipients to access support services and relieve some operational stress.

To maximise the local benefit, recipients will be required to engage local suppliers and service providers where possible.

For more information visit the Funding and Support webpage.

Council looks to go cashless

• Ipswich City Council is moving to protect employees by adopting cashless payments.
• Transfer stations at Riverview and Rosewood have both been equipped to accept eftpos payments, and patrons are all being asked to use card.
• Council’s main service centre in the 1 Nicholas Street Administration building is also asking people to use card for any transactions they might have to make.
• And the city pound wants people to avoid using cash.