Dear resident, happy Easter … you’ve been awesome!

The team at Redland City Council would like to wish residents a very happy Easter and thank you for your awesome response to measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus in our community.

We understand that you will miss our wonderful Redlands Coast outdoors lifestyle this Easter but it is so important that we all heed the State Government’s rules to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and only leave our homes for essential reasons, such as to work or volunteer, get food and essential supplies, provide assistance to an immediate family member or to avoid illness or to escape harm.

Yes, you can also head outdoors to exercise but please observe social distancing. And be aware that while members of a household can leave home together as long as you abide by the State Government’s confinement rules, you can only be accompanied by one other person not from your household unless you are in need of physical assistance, when you can be accompanied by more than one carer or support worker.

Playgrounds, skate parks, outside gyms and the like remain closed and police will be monitoring popular Redlands Coast holiday spots to ensure the confinement rules are observed in the interests of our health and safety. Officers are also at Cleveland’s Toondah Harbour to that check travel to North Stradbroke Island is within the rules.

While you may be home, we want to let you know that you are not alone. Crews are on standby during the break to deal with emergencies and our libraries, galleries and IndigiScapes have a host of fun and engaging activities available online. The library has a great selection of audio books and e-books, as well as Kanopy for movies and Freegal for music.

And please be reassured that, as the library return chutes are closed, any books you may have in possession don’t need to be returned for the time being and there will be no fees for overdue items.

While home, why not share your Easter and “staycation” experiences with others at #RCKindness and spread some cheer? You can get regular doses of Redlands Coast Kindness messages at our local radio station, Bay FM (100.3).

Meanwhile, your kerbside bin collections will continue as usual over the Easter break, with all waste transfer stations closed on Good Friday. Remember, trips to waste transfer stations must be essential, in line with the State Government’s directive to only leave home if absolutely necessary, so fully utilise your bin service first and avoid generating any unnecessary waste. When open, social distancing and safety requirements apply at waste transfer station which may mean considerable delays, so allow time and be patient. And where there is a fee, it will only be accepted via EFT or account.

Our Customer Service Centre phones will be closed for general business and inquiries from 5pm on Thursday to 8am on Tuesday 14th April but, for emergencies, you can still call 3829 8999 and our after-hours team will assist.

The Customer Service Counter in Cleveland will be closed from 4.30pm on Thursday, re-opening at 8.30am on Tuesday 14th April.

For more information about COVID-19 and the response, go to www.health.qld.gov.au or www.redland.qld.gov.au/covid19.