Council implements operational changes to help ‘flatten the curve’

With the health and safety of our community remaining paramount, Council is encouraging our staff, along with residents, community organisations and industry members to conduct business over the telephone or online rather than face-to-face. If telephone or online meetings are not possible we will refrain from shaking hands and ensure proper social distancing is maintained.

Customer Service Centres

At this time, Council’s Customer Service staff will be available at each of Council’s Service Centres. Blackbutt Customer Service staff, in particular, will be focused on Services Australia (formerly Centrelink) and QGap services.

To assist with any enquiries however, community members are urged to contact Council via phone or email in the first instance for general business or payments. Council’s Customer Service team is available for support via phone on 4189 9100 or online via info@southburnett.qld.gov.au.

Proper hygiene is encouraged and social distancing guidelines must be respected.

Libraries

All South Burnett libraries will close from this afternoon, Wednesday 25 March 2020, until further notice.

The greatest priority at this time is the health and wellbeing of our library patrons, team members and the wider community. A new due date for all items currently on loan has been set for Monday 1 June 2020.

We know people from the South Burnett love their libraries, and we know you will have a lot of questions – please bear with us while we endeavour to respond to your queries. Rest assured, while our doors are closed, our online library is always open – with 24/7 access to our digital collections.

While we will not be open to the public, our staff will be available to assist you over the phone or via email during normal opening hours. Don’t forget to follow the library on Facebook and visit the library webpage to stay up to date and informed with any new developments and to learn more about ways in which you can connect with us from home.

Visitor Information Centres and Council operated Museums and Galleries

All visitor information centres (VIC’s), museums (including Boondooma Homestead) and Council operated art galleries will close as at close of business this afternoon, Wednesday 25 March 2020, until at least the end of April. 

Halls

Council owned and operated halls will be closed from midnight tonight, Wednesday 25 March 2020 until further notice.

Any event cancelled between now and 30 June 2020 will be fully refunded unless otherwise discussed. Any event that has been moved into the 2020-21 Financial Year will have fees charged at the current rate.

Pools and Sporting venues

With the recent announcement regarding closure of indoor sporting venues and pools, the Murgon PCYC Gym, along with all South Burnett pools including the South Burnett Aquatic Centre located at Nanango are now closed until further notice.

Dams

Lake Boondooma Caravan and Recreation Park and Yallakool Caravan and Recreation Park are closed effective immediately, this includes all accommodation/camping and recreational uses of these facilities.

All bookings will be cancelled with credits or refund options available, guests will be contacted individually with regard to their bookings.

Planning & Development procedures

Council has suspended face to face pre lodgement meetings but will be instituting the following process:

• following receipt of a pre lodgement meeting request we will arrange within 10 business days to issue by email draft pre lodgement minutes for consideration;
• we will conduct telephone or online meetings/discussions with development industry members to address specific questions and issues in relation to the pre lodgement;
• we will amend the draft minutes and email a final version to the development industry member;
• where possible we request that development applications and other documentation is lodged with Council electronically rather than in hard copy format; and
• we will endeavour to limit on site meetings where possible.

Council will continue ‘business as usual’ and is working on continuity plans to try to minimise the impact to the region and ensure essential services are maintained over coming months. Council, through the LDMG, continues to liaise with relevant authorities and will advise on any changes as they occur.

Council urges all residents to join us with ‘flattening the curve’ by ensuring hygiene practices are in place and minimising contact where possible. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your understanding and cooperation during this time.

Decisions on closures will continue to be reviewed in accordance with Queensland Health advice.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding these arrangements, please contact Council by phone on 4189 9100 or email Council.