Tomorrow we have the first major easing of COVID-19 health restrictions in NSW as part of Step 1 measures in the three-step framework for a COVIDSafe Australia.
In line with those moves, Tamworth Regional Council will be making changes to its operations from Friday 15 May, 2020. They are:
- Playground equipment at more than 100 parks across the region from Friday 15 May, 2020, including Tamworth Regional Playground in Bicentennial Park, the outdoor gym in Kable Avenue and Tamworth Regional Skate Park in Peel Street. Council's Sports and Recreation division has been kept busy this week removing 'closed' signs, taking away temporary barriers and undertaking cleaning of equipment. Barbecues will not reopen at this stage because they are a point of crowd gathering and currently the rules limit groups to up to 10 people only.
- Council's offices at Tamworth, Barraba, Manilla and Nundle will reopen their doors on Monday 18 May, 2020, for limited hours. Tamworth will be open 8.30am to 4pm and includes service at the Development Hub. Manilla and Barraba will be open from 8.30am to 4pm and close for lunch from noon to 1pm Nundle will be open each Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 2pm. The return to full office hours will be phased in as NSW moves to Step 2 and will reach full office hours for Step 3. Library services provided at the Manilla, Barraba and Nundle offices will not reopen yet. They will instead continue to use the Click and Collect service operating from Tamworth City Library. Borrowers can reserve their books online through www.cnl.nsw.gov.au and select the pickup location of their choice.
- With the aim of supporting those cafes and restaurants who choose to reopen to be able to seek a temporary amendment to their existing licence for outdoor seating without any fee payable. Those operators interested in expanding their outdoor seating area is asked to call council on 6767 5555 to discuss their situation and work through their particular circumstances with Council staff. The temporary change will apply for three months.
Council reminds local residents that while up to 10 people can gather outdoors, more than one group of 10 can gather at any one time in an outdoor space. Its advice is community members need to be mindful to continue to choose to make decisions which are best for the own wellbeing and that of their family. If they plan to visit a park and the number of people there looks as though it would be difficult to maintain social distancing rules, then they should leave and return at another time when it is less busy.
