Stay safe on Redlands Coast this Easter

Redland City Council has urged residents to stay safe this Easter by only leaving home if absolutely necessary and observing social distancing if they do need to make an essential trip.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said the local response to measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the community had been good but it was vital the protections now in place were fully observed throughout the long weekend.

“I know Redlanders love the great outdoors, but this Easter we need everyone to love their families more by heeding the advice of health officials and staying home as much possible,” she said.

“While under State Government directives you can still travel to work or head out for essentials such as food and medicines, now is not the time to be heading to the beach or hosting a large barbecue.

“Redlanders are resilient and we have a sense of community that is unsurpassed, and while Easter will be different it does not have to be any less special.

“So please stay safe in your own homes and catch up with family and friends via phone or social media.

“While you are home, why not share your ‘staycation’ and Easter experiences with others at #RCKindness and spread some cheer?”

Cr Williams said playgrounds, skate parks, outside gyms and the like remained closed and police would monitor popular Redlands Coast holiday spots to ensure the confinement rules were observed in the interests of health and safety.

“Police officers will have a presence in public areas across Redlands Coast to ensure people act responsibly and will also be at Cleveland’s Toondah Harbour to check that travel to North Stradbroke Island is within the rules,” she said.

Redland City Council CEO Andrew Chesterman said crews would be on standby throughout Easter to deal with urgent Council matters.

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

“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 stations, which may mean considerable delays, so allow time and be patient.”

Council’s libraries, galleries and IndigiScapes will  have a host of fun and engaging activities available online throughout Easter.

The library has a great selection of audio books and e-books available, 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.

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

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