More Council facilities reopening as restrictions ease

The Hervey Bay and Maryborough Libraries will re-open tomorrow, Council-owned caravan parks can now take bookings from right throughout Queensland, and more people can visit Council pools at the one time following the further easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement that unlimited travel is now permitted throughout the state and more people are now allowed to gather at facilities such as pools, playgrounds, cultural venues and libraries.

“The Fraser Coast is currently COVID-19 free and has been for more than six weeks, so it is welcome news that more people can travel to our region and more people are allowed to visit our wonderful tourist attractions and Council facilities,” he said.

“We remind everyone that the new government guidelines still require gatherings to be limited to up to 20 people, rising to 100 people from 10 July.

“As restrictions start to ease, it’s important we all continue to practice good hygiene, abide by physical distancing guidelines and follow the advice of health authorities to keep ourselves and others safe.”

The relaxed restrictions mean that:

• Up to 20 people are now permitted at the Hervey Bay and Maryborough Aquatic Centres at one time for lap swimming, with the 25 metre pool at Hervey Bay remaining closed for resurfacing;
• Council-owned caravan parks will re-open in coming days and will be able to take bookings from people across Queensland, subject to availability and social distancing requirements;
• The Hervey Bay and Maryborough Libraries will now re-open from this Wednesday 3 June with limited opening hours and only 20 people (not including staff) allowed in each library at any one time.
  
  New social distancing and hygiene practices will be in place, with visits limited to 15 minutes while the Click and Collect service will be restricted to housebound and vulnerable community members;
• Casual riding at the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park will continue daily 8am to 4pm with an increased capacity of up to 20 people. Bookings are essential;
• The Tinana and Granville Landfills are re-opening this week following the completion of maintenance, with the Maryborough Reuse and Recycle Centre (tip shop) due to reopen on Wednesday 17 June;
• The Story Bank, Bond Store and Gatakers Artspace will re-open from Saturday 13 June, while the Brolga Theatre will re-open in a limited capacity from Saturday 11 July.

WetSide will remain closed as per its usual seasonal closure at this time of year while the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery and Maryborough Customs House will also remain closed for maintenance works.

Anyone seeking more information and the latest advice about the coronavirus is encouraged to visit www.australia.gov.au and www.covid19.qld.gov.au/