PLAYGROUNDS, skate parks and outdoor gyms will be the first of council facilities to re-open as restrictions begin to ease this weekend.

These council facilities will open from Saturday, May 16 as part of the state government’s road map to normality following the coronavirus.

The North Burnett Regional Council would like to remind residents that social distancing measures apply, with it being imperative for everyone to follow guidelines set by Queensland Health.

From Monday, May 18 doors to council’s libraries and customer service centres will open as well, with standard operating hours applying Monday to Friday.

Centres will not be open Saturdays until further notice.

Council will reassess opening hours during Stage 2, conditional on information provided by Queensland Health.

To keep everyone safe, the following public health practices will be implemented in their centres:

– Hand sanitising stations will be available at the entrance to each centre.

– Restriction on number of people allowed in each centre – Customers may be asked to cue outside of the facility.

– Public computers will be restricted to 30 minute bookings. Please book your time in advance with, or by phoning 1300 696 272. You are not permitted to wait in the library for your allocated booking time.

– Cashless transactions – Council will not be accepting cash in any of their centres under Stage 1 easing of restrictions. Payments are to be made via EFTPOS or cheque.

Mayor Rachel Chambers has welcomed the ease of restrictions and is looking forward to residents being able to access key council services and facilities.

“Staff can’t wait to see your friendly faces, however we do ask that you please stay home if you are sick, listen to any instructions that staff provide, maintain social distancing and most importantly, keep washing your hands,” she said.

Council’s Contact Centre is available to provide assistance with inquiries and payments over the phone, you can get in touch with the team by phoning 1300 696 272.