Council Customer Service Centres set for staged re-opening

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Customer Service Centres will re-open counter service at four locations from Monday 25 May 2020.

The Toowoomba, Millmerran, Crows Nest and Pittsworth Customer Service Centres will re-open with no appointment necessary and new measures in place for the safety of staff and the community.

TRC Mayor Paul Antonio said Customer Service was a critical service for this organisation.

“Council has been working with State Government advisors to determine practical implications on what the easing of restrictions means for our customer service centres,” Mayor Antonio said.

“To re-open any of our facilities, we have had 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.

“Council will re-open more of our Customer Service Centres, and hours will extend as health restrictions ease.

“The Toowoomba Branch will open from 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, while Millmerran, Crows Nest and Pittsworth counters will open from 1-4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“From Monday, Customer Service Centres will be trialling Point of Sale screens where appropriate, with additional cleaning and sanitiser product provided for customers and staff.

“Social distancing markings and signage will be added to all front customer areas/thoroughfares, entries and exits and furniture will be spaced to adhere to social distancing requirements.

“Cashless transactions will be encouraged, although cash will be accepted if no alternative is available. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to staff when handling cash or in the course of their normal duties.

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

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

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

“We ask the community to continue to follow hygiene guidelines, whether at home or attending public spaces.

“Precautions include washing your hands or using hand sanitiser, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and disposing of tissues properly, practising social distancing and avoiding physical contact, such as shaking hands.”

For more information on updated Queensland Health Guidelines on the easing of restrictions go to www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus.

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