Central West Queensland is leading the state in COVID-19 vaccination, with 'gateway to the outback' Longreach crossing the 70 per cent threshold this week.
While some tiny towns in the region have already recorded double doses over 90 per cent, Longreach is among the first major regional hubs in Queensland with 70 per cent of the population fully vaccinated.
Frances Morrison was among the central west residents who turned out to be vaccinated at booked-out Pfizer clinics this week.
"I've got grandkids coming to visit in a few weeks time and I just thought it's better to be safer than sorry, and the rate of spreading I really don't want to get it myself or spread it around."
About 28 per cent of eligible Queenslanders have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Australian government.
"Overall, our rate is just shy of 60 per cent for fully vaccinated," Central West Hospital and Health Service executive director of medical services Dr David Walker said.
"We've got towns like Jundah which are over 90 per cent are fully vaccinated, and towns like Windorah which is a city just shy of 80 per cent.
Tourism allure of high-vax region
Longreach Regional Council CEO Mitchell Murphy said the high vaccinate rate gave residents comfort the risk of serious illness caused by COVID-19 was mitigated.
"The flip side of that as well is that it also gives a lot of comfort for visitors to our region," Mr Murphy said.
It comes as the region experiences a spike in tourism compared to previous years.
"We've got a spirit within all of our towns to do the right thing. It's an individual's right to decide whether they get vaccinated, and so it should be, but at the same time too I think they have a genuine care factor," Mr Murphy said.
Dr Walker said the health service made a choice to only offer the Pfizer vaccine when supply became available.
The health service also did not require a phased roll-out and was able to open up bookings to all populations, including all children aged 12-15 as of last week.
"People have said 'oh it's easy out there, there's not many of you', but we are very spread apart. That's been the challenge," Dr Walker said.
