Council Connections - 1 April 2020

Closure of Community Facilities

In accordance with COVID-19 advice from the Prime Minister, last week Council closed a number of community facilities including the following:

• Hinchinbrook Shire Library;
• Halifax Sub Branch Library;
• TYTO Regional Art Gallery;
• TYTO Conference and Events Centre;
• Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre;
• TYTO RV Park;
• Forrest Beach RV Park;
• Mount Fox Camping Grounds;
• Hinchinbrook Shire Hall;
• Halifax Community Hall;
• Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre;
• J.L. Kelly Theatrea; and
• Recreational reserves closed for camping.

While these facilities are closed, Council assures the community that essential services continue to be maintained. Council is well prepared to continue to operate water, sewerage and waste collection.

While the libraries are closed to the public, members of the Hinchinbrook Shire Library are able to take advantage of a range of free online resources including eBooks, eMagazines, eAudio books, eSkills, eLearning resources, National Geographic online and streaming movies and music. Visit the Hinchinbrook Way website, Hinchinbrook Shire Library page for more information.

Council will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation carefully and are working very closely with Queensland Health to remnain up to date with the latest information.

Council encourages the community to follow the advice of the Australian and Queensland Governments and to ensure proper personal hygiene, appropriate social distancing and to avoid any non-essential gatherings.

Community Recovery Hotline

The Department of Communities has established a hotline to assist people who are in home isolation or quarantine that do not have family and friends who are able to offer their assistance.
Assistance available through this hotline includes arranging non-contact delivery of essential food and medication to people in quarantine with no other means of support.

Family members, friends or neighbours should be the first option, however should you require assistance, we encourage you to call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to discuss alternative options.

Fines for Breaching Social Distancing Requirements

Please note that Queensland Police now have the power to issue significant on the spot fines to anyone breaching the updated social distancing measures or quarantine orders.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state and territory leaders on Sunday agreed to further tighten the rule around indoor and outdoor public gatherings from 10 to two, except in certain circumstances such as funerals and weddings.

If you notice non-compliance, you can report it to Queensland Health on 13 432 584.

It is now more important than ever to STAY HOME.

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COUNCIL CONNECTIONS -  1 APRIl 2020