Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says the council is still waiting for the state government's health advice before deciding whether residents will need to be fully vaccinated to access council facilities such as libraries.
Mandatory double-vaccinated access privileges will be introduced in Queensland on December 17, restricting unvaccinated people from being able to access hospitality venues and other businesses, state-owned galleries, museums and libraries, and sporting events.
"Like most people out in the community, we're waiting to see the detail in the health order or health directive and then we'll make a decision once that comes out," Cr Schrinner said.
"Obviously we've been in communication with the state government, we've been in communication with other local governments and the [Local Government Association of Queensland].
A Queensland Health spokesperson said under the current public health and social measures linked to vaccination status, unvaccinated staff and patrons "will not be able to attend Queensland government-owned galleries, museums, or libraries".
"Work is continuing on arrangements that will be in place from December 17 and further advice will be provided as the milestone gets closer," the spokesperson said.
Brisbane City Council owns and manages dozens of community facilities including City Hall, Riverstage, the Planetarium, the Brisbane Powerhouse, and Brisbane Square Library.
Regional concerns
Cr Schrinner's comments follow several regional councils raising concerns about the lack of clarity on vaccine requirements for council facilities and other businesses from December 17.
Several of those councils have moved motions asking the state government to reconsider the requirements while still emphasising their support for vaccination.
The Livingston, Mackay, Whitsundays, Fraser, and Isaac councils in Central and Northern Queensland have all expressed concern about the vaccine mandate and its likely impacts on their communities.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning also urged the state government to provide clarity on the December 17 mandates, noting that the council was "committed and obligated" to following state health directives.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the city council was waiting for the state advice on public facilities, but his view was that facilities should be opened up without restriction once Queensland reaches 80 per cent double vaccinated.
"This virus is clearly one that will hit the unvaccinated hardest. In real terms, it may be many months before we get to 90 per cent double vaccination," he said.
