Outback shires close pools and more in coronavirus shutdown

Three western councils have announced they are closing certain facilities while Australia is on mass shutdown to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Murweh Shire Council has enacted changes to its services, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Paroo Shire and Quilpie Shire have also closed facilities and made changes.

EFFORTS to stop the spread of coronavirus in western communities continue, with the Murweh, Paroo and Quilpie Shire Councils closing facilities in the name of public health.

Swimming pools, art galleries, libraries are closed or have limited public access, and other council services are changing their regulations to reduce points of human contact.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Paroo Shire Council acting CEO Sean Rice reminded locals to keep calm during these unprecedented times.

“Council are all well aware of the current situation with the spread of coronavirus across the State,” he said.

“Although there is no need for panic, there is an absolute need to put measures in place for the protection of Council staff and the public.

“Please remember this is not just about us, but also the protection of the more vulnerable members of our community.”

In each shire, the following closures and changes apply:

Murweh Shire

• Charleville Swimming Pool is closed.
• Mulga Lands Gallery is closed.
• Charleville Library remains open for the time being.
• Cosmos Centre hours have been reduced to Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
• The observatory will operate on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by booking only.
• Charleville Visitor Information Centre will open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9am-5pm, and on Wednesday and Friday 10am-6pm. The Visitor Information Centre will have info packs at the front door and a staff member will be there to answer the phone and emails plus they will be able to answer questions from behind the glass screen as well if required.
• Cosmos Centre and the Visitor Information Centre will be closed on weekends.
• Instead of coming in to the Council office, residents are asked to phone the office on 4656 8355 where possible. Inquiries can also be answered by email to [e-mail]

Paroo Shire

• Cunnamulla Pool is closed.
• Cunnamulla Library is closed.
• The Paroo Shire Council depot front desk is closed to the general public.
• The Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre remains open, as the one point of contact for residents and the travelling public.

Quilpie Shire

• Quilpie and Eromanga Pools will be closed from Wednesday, March 25.
• Quilpie Visitor Information Centre will be closed from Wednesday, March 25.
• The Quilpie Shire Council Depot has been closed to the public. Residents needing to speak with an officer are asked to phone ahead on 4656 0565 and organise an appointment.
• Quilpie Shire Council’s community health promotion activities will cease as of Tuesday, March 24. Council’s Health Promotions Officer will contact all participants and will regularly check in on their wellbeing.
• Council requests that community members consider our residents and practice regular handwashing, pay bills (such as council rates) by phone or BPay where possible and maintain the social distancing requirements recommended by authorities.

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