Council to stage re-opening of facilities

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will stage the re-opening of facilities following the announcement of the easing of restrictions for playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor gyms, pools and libraries.

TRC Mayor Paul Antonio said Council would only re-open facilities when there are practical measures in place that comply with the updated restrictions.

“Our community has acted responsibly, and now we are beginning to see the results,” Mayor Antonio said.

“The re-opening of Council facilities will be a staged process, as the easing of restrictions moves us a step closer to operating as business as usual.

“Council is working with State Government advisors to determine practical implications on what the easing of restrictions means for our playgrounds and libraries.

“Council pools have closed for the season, and with the cold weather we have experienced, we won’t be opening them until next season.

“The 25-metre pool at Milne Bay is the only heated pool, and during the closure of Milne Bay Aquatic Centre, we brought forward scheduled maintenance, meaning that pool is currently empty.

“To re-open any of our facilities, we need to work through the practicalities of hygiene requirements, staffing arrangements and importantly the ways to allow our staff and the community to maintain social distancing requirements.

“Playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms still have strict social distancing requirements, with new definitions on what constitutes a gathering. Council will endeavour to assist park users in being aware of the updated guidelines when these outdoor facilities are re-opened.

“We thank the community for their continued patience during this unique time.

“We will continue to update the community on the status of services and facilities that are affected by State and Federal health directives.

“In the meantime, our e-library resources continue to be available to the community, and the recent dramatic increase in use shows their growing popularity and growing importance during social isolation.

“Our parks remain open and are an excellent outlet for a walk, a picnic, to kick a football around with members of your household.

“Council is committed to re-opening our facilities soon as practical; however, we also need to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff and our community.”

For more information on changes to Council services and facilities, due to the impact of the coronavirus, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/servicechanges