Sunshine Coast Council Libraries, Caloundra Regional Gallery, Bankfoot House remain open for business and, at this stage, will continue to remain open during normal operating hours pending advice from the Australian and Queensland governments.
However Mayor Mark Jamieson, who chairs the Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group, said novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was an evolving situation and our community needed to be prepared for the fact that what was in place today may change at any time.
"At this stage, all of our community, cultural and sport and recreation facilities remain open and available for the community to use," Mayor Jamieson said.
"We are conscious of, and respect, the decisions made by other councils and communities elsewhere, but at this stage, based on the advice Council is receiving and the assessments of our staff, all of our venues and facilities can remain in use.
"With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) impacting more people – whether by illness or the need to stay at home - council is encouraging residents to make use of our extensive e-Library services," Mayor Jamieson said.
"Council acknowledges that isolation can be less stressful for some people if they are kept occupied and our eLibrary provides many resources to keep the whole family entertained, including eBooks, comics, eNewspapers, magazines, audiobooks, movies and even music.
"Some members of our community are in home isolation, or do not feel comfortable attending public spaces at this time so now, more than ever, is the time to really make use of this service you can use from the comfort of your home."
Residents can set up their free library membership via the Library website (library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au).
Mayor Jamieson said while council venues would remain open, council had suspended the delivery of all public programs, education programs, events and outreach programs until at least June 30, 2020.
"This includes our library and gallery school holiday programs, adult literacy classes and author talks," he said.
"This is a precautionary measure and senior staff will meet regularly to assess the situation and take their lead from federal and state health authorities.
"We are also actively working to identify additional ways for our community to engage with our programs, such as delivering online talks, exhibitions, programs and educational resources.
"Our priority at this time is to protect and support our community, visitors, staff, and volunteers from infection."
Changes to council's operating hours may be necessary as new information or advice becomes available.
Council will continue to review operations as the situation evolves.
