As our region continues to experience the impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, ensuring our community is safe and complying with national public health directions remains the number one priority of Sunshine Coast Council and the Local Disaster Management Group.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mark Jamieson said it was important that our residents continued to comply with the directions from the Federal Government and Queensland Health in the best interests of everyone in our community as we seek to respond to the impacts of the spread of COVID-19.
"I am again calling on all members of our community to comply with the social distancing requirements, personal hygiene measures and not to congregate in groups," Mayor Jamieson said.
"We want to do everything we can to support the efforts of our Federal and State governments to control the spread of the virus and help our community come through this and out the other side.
"That is why council has taken the steps to close a number of facilities where people congregate, keep our community informed and help to complement Federal and State stimulus and support measures to keep local businesses operating and employing local people."
As part of its efforts to keep money circulating in the local economy and work flowing for the construction and related industries, council will be accelerating programmed maintenance and other works in a number of its facilities while they are closed as a result of complying with public health directions.
Mayor Jamieson said council would look to bring forward scheduled works at council facilities such as Venue 114, The Events Centre, Caloundra and Sunshine Coast Stadium while they were closed or experiencing limited usage.
Council has closed a number of facilities in the interests of community and staff wellbeing and in line with the measures announced by the Australian Government on Sunday (March 22).
"This is a practical opportunity to continue to support local businesses, whilst undertaking projects at a time that will not inconvenience patrons, staff or contractors. Under ordinary circumstances, projects would be require stop-start programming if the venue was open," Mayor Jamieson said.
"Council will look for opportunities to carry out necessary works on our facilities which can be delivered in the coming weeks and months, where this is possible given constraints that may exist on supply chains at this time.
Some of the works council is considering include:
- Air conditioning replacements, painting and carpet replacements at council libraries
- Refurbishment of changing rooms, shower and toilet amenities, installation of skylights and roof repairs at the Caloundra Indoor Stadium
- upgrade of the café kiosk at The Events Centre at Caloundra.
"Council is also currently reviewing its Capital Works Program to identify opportunities to bring forward approved and budgeted projects, as a further measure to support the local economy and businesses. "
Council's maintenance program rescheduling follows the recent announcement that council will assist local business with commercial fees and charges relief as part of package to help manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and help to keep local people employed.
"What is important at this time is that we come together as a community, support each other, look out for each other, show kindness and consideration," Mayor Jamieson said.
"We know the COVID-19 pandemic is having, and will continue to have, a major impact on our community and on our local businesses.
"Now more than ever, we must think locally in every decision we make."
Mayor Jamieson also advised that the District Disaster Management Group (DDMG) has moved from ALERT status to STAND UP in support of the two Local Disaster Management Groups (Sunshine Coast and Noosa).
The DDMG will report the situational awareness of the local groups directly to the State Disaster Coordination Centre and assist with extra resourcing/resupply if the local groups become overwhelmed.
Mayor Jamieson said that all levels of government had a clear and consistent message for the community.
"Act responsibly, stay safe and think about the health and safety of those around you."
