Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will temporarily close all Indoor Sport and Aquatic Centres, Cressbrook Campground, The Annex, Highfields Cultural Centre and is re-directing face-to-face operations at Cemeteries to online and telephone services from 12.00 noon, Monday 23 March 2020 until further notice.
TRC CEO Brian Pidgeon said the decision to close these facilities is based on advice provided by the government and community expectations.
"During this unprecedented event, we must abide by the advice given to us by the State and Federal Governments," Mr Pidgeon said.
"Council apologises for any inconvenience these temporary closures may cause.
"Council is not removing the service, the closures are in response to community sentiment and health guidelines.
"Our number one priority during this difficult time is the health and wellbeing of our community and staff.
"We've already seen a reduction in volunteers and attendances at these facilities and our staff will continue to monitor the evolving situation. Council will communicate any further changes to services through Council's website.
"The decision will see the closure of the following until further notice:
- Milne Bay Aquatic Centre
- Highfields Fitness and Recreation Centre
- Millmerran Indoor Sports Centre
- Crows Nest Indoor Sports Centre
- All regional aquatic facilities
- Cressbrook Campground
- The Annex; and
- Highfields Cultural Centre
Cemeteries will operate as usual, but the office will be closed to face-to-face contact and staff will continue to work with the community through telephone and other online means.
"The current situation requires swift but measured action, and we're doing our best to respond as quickly as possible to Commonwealth Government directions and Queensland Health advice, partnered with our own risk assessment which prioritises the health and wellbeing of the community and our staff.
"As such, we have increased cleaning and hygiene services at all our public facilities and continue to ask our residents always to follow hygiene guidelines, whether at home or attending public places.
"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.
"I would also like to remind everyone to refer to the information provided by the State Government's lead agency Queensland Health, during this pandemic."
