Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will temporarily close all Community Halls, suspend the use of sporting fields, campgrounds (close of business Friday 27 March 2020) and cancel the CHANGE Project until further notice. Visitor Information Centres will close to the public but will remaincontactable by phone and online.
Council will also work with authorities who will enforce new social distancing measures in parks and public spaces.
TRC CEO Brian Pidgeon said the decision is based on directives and advice provided by the government and community expectations that promote greater levels of social distancing in the interests of public health and safety.
"During this unprecedented Coronavirus (COVID-19) health event, we must abide by the directives and 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 temporary 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 our employees
"We've already seen a reduction in volunteers and attendances at these facilities and our employees will continue to monitor the evolving situation. Council will communicate any further changes to services through Council's website.
"The decision will see the cancellation of CHANGE project activities in parks and the closure of the following until further notice:
- All Council Sports Grounds
- Visitor Information Centres (still available on phone and online)
- All Council controlled campgrounds including Bowenville, Clifton, Nobby, Swinging Bridge, Yarramalong Weir.
- Oakey Cultural Centre
- Oakey Community Centre/Rooms
- Millmerran Cultural Centre
- Pittsworth Town Hall
- Crows Nest Community/Cultural Centre; and
- All other public halls throughout the region.
Council will also work with the relevant authorities to insist on compliance to Federal Government directives including:
- Funeral services being limited to no more than ten attending persons
- Weddings limited to no more than five attending persons
- Social distancing at Boot Camps and Personal Training
"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 when 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."
