First stage restrictions easing in the Central Highlands

Central Highlands Regional Council’s public playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor gyms, libraries, transaction centres and outdoor sports facilities will re-open in line with the Queensland Government’s and industry recommendations.

Libraries and transaction centres will re-open from Saturday 16 May 2020. A limited number of visitors will be allowed in. This number is dictated by the size of the library, with a maximum of ten people at any one time. Please note, libraries and transactions centres that are not usually open on Saturdays will re-open from their usual business day the following week. The Springsure library will remain closed for renovations until 1 June 2020.

Outdoor playground equipment, skate parks and outdoor gyms will re-open on Saturday 16 May 2020 with a maximum of ten people allowed at any one time.

Public pools and lagoons remain closed for the winter season.

Indoor community facilities like town halls remain closed until further notice.

Art galleries will not re-open until stage two easing occur.

CEO Scott Mason warned that it was an easing of restrictions and people should not forget what is at stake.

‘Council is working hard to re-open some of its facilities on time with the Queensland Government’s stage one coming into effect midnight this Friday 15 May,’ he said.

‘It’s important that we remember these re-openings aren’t an open-the-floodgates scenario.

‘People of all ages must work together, be courteous and kind to share these areas whilst sticking to social distancing guidelines and the limits as directed by the Queensland Government.

‘Restrictions may tighten again if people do not abide by the rules, so let’s do this together, do the what’s right and enjoy what we can so we can keep the freedom we have gained with the easing.’

Central Highlands sports clubs re-open

General Manager Communities John McDougall said council was working with sports clubs that use council’s outdoor facilities to get them back to business.

‘Many sports clubs have already been in touch and some have demonstrated sound operational plans under social distancing guidelines,’ he said.

‘As each club achieves permission to operate in line with Queensland Government rules, they can re-open and we support and guide them in doing so.’

Mr McDougall said it was likely that clubs would operate differently than what members are used to for a while.

‘There will be things like rotational booking systems, no indoor gatherings at clubhouses and bathroom cleaning routines,’ he said.

‘We ask that people get in touch with their club for details and respect that they’re going the extra-mile to bring their sport back to the community – don’t mess it up for them.’