2021-03-02 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                             2 MARCH 2021


D.   Approve the establishment of the COVID-19 Event Reference Group as outlined in the report
     whose role will include but not be limited to:
     1.    Reviewing and making decisions regarding event application requests;
     2.    Reviewing Category 3 Event Decision Making Framework Assessment Criteria as
           outlined in the report;
     3.    Developing a risk-based decision making framework to guide future event approvals
           within the COVID-19 environment which will consider public health and economic impact
           factors;
     4.    Monitoring the success or otherwise of COVID Safe event plans and procedures both
           within the Shire and external to it.
     5.    Providing advice and analysis relating to the above to inform Council’s review in February
           2021; and
E.   Authorise the CEO to review and amend membership of the COVID-19 Event Reference Group
     as required.

2.   State Government Industry Framework for COVID Safe Events
In July 2020, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer approved the Industry Framework for COVID Safe
Events (The Framework) which facilitated the resumption of events in Queensland as part of its stage
3 relaxations for easing COVID emergency restrictions.

The Framework has been relaxed since its July 2020 introduction with an increase to 1,500 people
for Category 3 outdoor events (previously 500). The current Framework divides events into 3
categories:
•    Category 1 – An event involving more than 10,000 people onsite at any given time. The event
     organiser must obtain approval of its COVID Safe Event Plan from the State’s Chief Health
     Officer;
•    Category 2 – Between 500 people (indoors) / 1,500 people (outdoors) and 10,000 people. The
     event organiser must obtain approval of its COVID Safe Event Plan from a QLD Public Health
     Unit;
•    Category 3 – Fewer than 500 people (indoors) and 1,500 people (outdoors). The event
     organiser must complete and adhere to the COVID Safe Event Checklist and sign and display
     a Statement of Compliance. No further approval is required.

The Framework notes the State assumes responsibility for monitoring and enforcing compliance with
approved COVID Safe Event Plans while Council continues to perform its role in relation to the non-
public health aspects of event plans and issuing permits.

3.   COVID-19 Event Reference Group
At the 2020 August Special Meeting, Council resolved to establish a COVID-19 Reference Group.
The Reference Group’s primary role has been to:
•     Review and make decisions regarding event application requests as per agreed criteria for
      Category 3 events;
•     Review Category 3 assessment criteria having regard to current health advice from the State,
      emerging risk factors etc.; and
•     Consider timing and risk of allowing Category 1 and 2 events to proceed.




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