Townsville libraries, council buildings to close amid pandemic
Townsville City Council-owned buildings will soon close across the city to slow the spread of coronavirus.
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Townsville City Council-owned buildings will soon close across the city to slow the spread of coronavirus.
The council announced the decision to close its CityLibraries, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, community centres, and its customer service centre walk-in service at 103 Walker St today. But people wishing to use these facilities still have time to do so.
“These closures will be in effect from 6pm Wednesday,” Townsville City Council CEO Mike Chiodo said.
He said the decision followed the Federal Government’s new social distancing restrictions that have closed pubs, clubs, gyms, sporting venues, entertainment venues, restaurants and places of worship.
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Mr Chiodo said closing this number of council venues was unprecedented, but it was the right decision for Townsville.
“This is an important social distancing measure to keep people safe and will hopefully assist in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” he said.
“We will also be restricting council’s Customer Service Centre to being over-the-phone only. Planning applications will still be able to be submitted digitally, and council is preparing a physical drop off point for applications and survey plans to be physically submitted at boxes at Council.
“The advice from the Federal Government is that these measures could be in place for up to six months.
“Our staff members who work in these areas will continue with their jobs and in other areas of council.”
Library book and DVD loan periods have been extended to 80 days and people can loan up to 80 books and 30 DVDs.
Livestreaming of events such as exhibition openings and library story time will be announced on the council’s website, which also provides access to free eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies and study assistance.
Originally published as Townsville libraries, council buildings to close amid pandemic