The Premier announced this week Queensland’s border will re-open from 1am on 13 December. This is still subject to entrants having had two COVID-19 vaccination injections, and a negative test within 72 hours of entry.

FINALLY, people who have been waiting just over the border will be able to drive into Queensland – something that should have been possible weeks ago. I have received some emails and other messages – especially from small businesses – questioning why they are being required to police whether or not people are vaccinated, and also the practicalities of enforcement for the Government’s controversial proposed mandates. These are valid concerns, which have been consistently raised by our team. The Government has a lot of explaining to do between now and 17 December if they are to continue with the proposed mandates, including why people with genuine medical or other reasons for not being able to receive vaccination are to be excluded from some parts of the community.

As of 29 November, 84.1 per cent of the Scenic Rim Regional Council area had received at least one vaccination dose. Experience with South Australia’s re-opening shows that we will have more COVID-19 cases in the weeks and months ahead after travel within Australia returns to a more normal state (that is, a country where people can more or less go where they like). The science shows that vaccination reduces the chance of death from COVID-19 significantly, so I want to acknowledge all of those who have taken this step and encourage those who haven’t, to consider doing so.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YEAR 12 GRADUATES  
It’s the time of year again when we say farewell to all Year 12 students graduating from schools across the Scenic Rim. Congratulations on completing your final assessments and finishing this chapter of your lives. In the next steps outside of school, whether you’re starting the study, starting a trade, or full-time work, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

CHRISTMAS ROAD SAFETY
With Christmas and school holidays approaching, motorists are reminded to slow down. The festive period means more cars, caravans and holidaymakers are on the road and drivers should be more alert than ever. Many people are unaware that around half of all speed-related crashes, resulting in injuries or fatalities, happen at just 10 km/h or less over the speed limit. Every extra kilometre over could cause harm or damage to others on the road – speeding to shave a few minutes off your journey could lead to consequences that last a lifetime. Stay safe on the roads this festive season.

LET’S CONTINUE TO BUY LOCAL
In the Scenic Rim, we have thousands of small businesses run with dedication and hard work. They are the backbone of our local economy. There’s been so much great support for these businesses from locals lately, and as we move further down the path in the COVID-19 era, I encourage everybody to keep on supporting your locals whenever possible. The government at all levels need to make it easier for these businesses to grow – get rid of the red tape, the costs and the regulations – so they can create more jobs.

REMINDER: Buy Local Christmas 2021 local collection points are at Charlie & Me on the Walk, Spice of Life Café, Granny Mac's Fudge, Lux & Gather, Tamborine Mountain Visitor Centre, Mumma Duck’s Sweets & Treats and Witchscents Organics.

If you have an issue that you think should be fixed, I encourage you to contact my office, toll-free on 1800 813 960, so I can lobby on your behalf in Brisbane.