Published on 28 May 2020
Following this week’s announcement by the Victorian Government around the gradual easing of restrictions aligned with COVID-19, Campaspe Shire Council will open up a range of services to the community over the coming week.
Chief Executive Officer, Declan Moore, said the move back towards step 2 restrictions allows some community facilities and services to re-open, albeit with restricted numbers and social distancing requirements in place.
“We are also required to record the names of people who stay in our facilities for more than 15 minutes,” Mr Moore said.
“Rather than closely monitor people during their stay, entry registration cards will be available at entry points to capture this information and, if you leave before 15 minutes, the card will be returned to you for destruction. We are seeking the community’s support to adhere to this requirement to ensure that we meet government guidelines and keep services open.”
Mr Moore assured service users that if personal information is retained, it will be stored and protected and only be made available to health officials if contact tracing is required.
The easing of restrictions will allow customer service centres and library branches to re-open from Monday, 1 June.
“We are sure the opening of our libraries will be welcomed, however we urge the community to not all visit on day one,” Mr Moore added.
“Each building, depending on its size, will have a limit on the number of customers allowed inside at one time. For example a maximum of 20 people in the Regional Library and down to maybe four in the smaller centres, until reviewed before 22 June.”
“Library branches will offer a restricted service, with no programs or activities operating, including no access to public computers. We are also encouraging the community to come in and out, as quickly as possible.”
“Online library services will continue to be available.”
“Library fees will be waived through to 1 July to allow the community time to return books across the coming month.”
The Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre will open from Wednesday, 1 July.
“While the recent announcement permits pools to open to 20 people from 1 June followed by indoor gyms from Monday, 22 June, the forced closure has allowed us to start essential safety works on the pool concourse,” Mr Moore said.
“The works are well progressed, however have uncovered additional essential works.”
“On opening, the pool, gym and group fitness room will also have restricted numbers in line with government guidelines.”
Other services and facilities opening include:
Playgrounds, skateparks, outdoor gym equipment
Open from Tuesday, 26 May with a gathering limit of 10 people. From Monday, 1 June, changing to a limit of no more than 20 people per space.
Port of Echuca Discovery Centre and Echuca Paddlesteamers
Open from Friday, 5 June, initially for four days (Friday to Monday), then continuing four days per week moving to Thursday to Sunday. The centre will be operating booked group tours to ensure government guidelines can be adhered to. Paddlesteamer cruising times and passenger numbers will be limited and bookings are required.
Camping
From 1 June, camping is allowed however without the use of shared facilities. Aysons Reserve south of Rochester, which is managed by Council, will be open for campers who are fully self-contained.
In easing restrictions from 1 June, the government is reminding the community to be considerate in all activities, be cautious and use common sense.
“The key message is ‘if you don’t have to do something, please don’t’,” Mr Moore added.
There are a number of ways the community can continue to make contact with Council without leaving home, being:
Online at website (for payments and service requests)
Phone at 1300 666 535
Email at [email protected]
As changes are made to services and facilities, the community will be kept up to date through Council’s website, social media and local advertising.
