2021-03-02 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA   2 MARCH 2021




                         Page 25 of 30

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                    2 MARCH 2021

     + Seated, ticketed venues — can operate at 100 per cent capacity. Patrons should
    wear masks on entry and exit (theatre, live music, cinemas, indoor sports) and
     performers can reduce the distance from the audience to two metres (except choirs).
     + Outdoor events — of up to 1,500 people can operate with a COVID Safe checklist;
     larger events still need a COVID Safe Plan.
     + Open-air stadiums — can operate at 100 per cent capacity. Patrons should wear
     masks on entry and exit.
     + Outdoor dancing is now allowed (e.g at music festivals).
     + Weddings — up to 200 people can attend a wedding, all guests can dance.
     + Funerals — up to 200 people can attend a funeral.
     More details here: https://teq queensland _com/industry-resources/industry-
     resilience/update-on-covid-19/covid-safe-events
     NB: these guidelines will likely be changed on the advice of the Chief Health Officer
     RECOMMENDATIONS BY CARA
     CARA believes Council needs to take a precautionary approach with any new
    guidelines. We are concerned that the push by industry groups for a “return to
     normal” represents an existential threat to shire residents. Unfortunately, this is a
    time of high intake of people not living in Noosa Shire and surrounds. Coupled with a
     very low number of tests being done, the chances of outbreak detection and control
     being effective are relatively poor.
     CARA would therefore like to make the following points in support of its position.
     + The current restrictions on events are not in line with the current conditions
     imposed by the State. However, it would be wise for Council to remain cautious
     about opening up too fast or too broadly in relation to events and to consider each
     application on its merits and its ability to meet strict COVID-19 risk management
     conditions as well as issues of particular concem within the shire.
     + It's unlikely we will be in a restriction free environment at any time in 2021. Even if a
     vaccine is rolled out in the first half of the year the effectiveness of the vaccine and
    the extent of population take-up are still unknowns. The recent evolving outbreaks in
     NSW and Victoria and the reinstating of border closures demonstrate how rapidly the
     situation can change. Noosa’s tourism industry is also vulnerable to long term
     reputational risk if an outbreak begins and spreads here, and further lockdowns in
     Queensland would be disastrous for many businesses in Noosa.
     * Possibly the most important issue for Council to consider is that Noosa’s resident
     population is particularly at risk given the ageing demographic profile and their
     extensive exposure to people from many other parts of the country through the influx
    of tourists. Large events that bring more people into the community increase the risk

                                                                          Page 25 of 30