Further Council facilities to close in wake of coronavirus

Fraser Coast Regional Council will close its pools and all cultural facilities from today while the pounds and adoption centre will be open for appointment only to help slow the potential spread of the coronavirus.

The move follows the National Cabinet decision last night to close a range of venues across the country, such as bars, clubs, cinemas and indoor sporting venues like gyms.

CEO Ken Diehm said Council was actively monitoring and responding to the rapidly evolving situation.

“The health and safety of the community and our workers is our highest priority. Council’s focus is on maintaining essential services – water supply, the sewerage systems and rubbish collection,” he said.

“We have made these decisions today in the wake of the updated advice from the Federal and State Governments for the need for more social distancing throughout the community to minimise the spread of the coronavirus.

“These are unprecedented times and we urge everyone to stay calm, stay informed and abide by the directions coming out from the National Cabinet.”

From today:

• The Maryborough and Hervey Bay Aquatic Centres will close;
• Cultural facilities such as The Story Bank, Bond Store, Gatakers’ Artspace will close;
• The Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park will close;
• Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre;
• The Fraser Coast Adoption Centre and the Maryborough and Hervey Bay Pounds will remain open by appointment only; and,
• The region’s waste facilities will remain open but the reuse market centres (tip shops) will close.

Council’s Customer Service Centres will remain open at this stage, but residents are encouraged to pay bills over the phone or online.

Today’s decision follows last week’s announcement of the closure of a range of Council facilities including the Brolga Theatre, Wetside Water Park, the Orchid House, the Community Nursery and the Halcro Street Community Centre.

All library branches closed last Saturday while Maryborough Walking Tours have ceased, and Customs House, the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery and the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere are all closed.

Anyone seeking more information and the latest advice about the coronavirus is encouraged to visit www.health.gov.au and www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus or call the Federal Government hotline on 1800 020 080.

More details about Australian Government support for individuals affected by coronavirus is available at here.

More information about Federal, State and Local Government assistance measures for businesses is available here.