QRC COVID-19 Working Group spoke about the following (actions in bold):

  • The QRC is exploring the possibility of a COVID vaccine facility at Brisbane Airport to be located at the Pullman Hotel. A trial of the vaccination of FIFO/DIDO workers returning to Brisbane after their shift in regional Qld may be available as soon as next week. The QRC will advise members as details become available.
    • Please advise the QRC with an estimate of how many individual staff members may require vaccinations at this facility per week. Please direct your advice to Kylie Barron: kylieb@qrc.org.au.
    • QRC has already been in touch with three 3rd party medical providers accredited to administer the Pfizer vaccine. If you are aware of an alternative 3rd party provider you wish to use who can safely prepare and administer the vaccine, then please advise the QRC.
  • Companies that want to be part of this vaccine rollout, please advise the QRC.
    • There will be a cost to companies associated with delivering this service including the cost of the medical provider of $50-70 per dose as well as a contribution to QRC towards the cost of the Brisbane vaccine hub space (or in the interim, the Pullman Hotel).
    • Companies will need to enter into contractual arrangements with the 3rd party providers.
  • Companies should encourage all workers to register for a vaccine on the Queensland Health website: https://www.vaccinebookings.health.qld.gov.au/registerforvaccination/
  • FIFO-DIDO workers have (both) been identified as “1-b”, meaning that they will receive priority for a vaccination.
    • FIFO/DIDO workers who register on the QH website should check the FIFO box in the drop-down to be registered as Priority 1(b)
    • Those workers who had already registered for the vaccine prior to the 1b priority being given, should, call 134COVID and advise Qld Health of their FIFO-DIDO status.
    • Workers who are vaccinated in this method should advise their company, so they can be removed from the register of workers still needing to be vaccinated at the Brisbane Hub or subsequent regional Qld hubs.
    • A template letter will be distributed to members this afternoon from the QRC that states a worker is a “1-b” priority for this purpose. Click here to download this template letter for use.
  • When workers arrive at camp, worksite or health check site, companies should ask if they have been vaccinated, and if not, have you registered for or updated your previous registration for1 b vaccination.
  • If someone has been in a hotspot within the past two weeks, masks must be worn at all times until the mask restrictions in Brisbane are lifted (link here).
  • Higher restrictions exist for those in Cairns (link here).
  • QRC is exploring the possibility of regional vaccination hubs.
  • The Hon Scott Stewart, Minister for Resources (Qld) joined the call and commented that any assistance the Queensland Government can provide with the vaccine rollout would be rendered. The Minister thanked the resources sector generally for its efforts, and for the work the sector does.
  • Kelly Vea Vea, Isaac Regional Council, supported vaccinations for resource workers being given at the airport. The QRC thanked the Deputy Mayor for Isaac for her contribution and participation on these calls.