Mitchell Shire Council is starting to reopen its facilities, with the public able to return to libraries this week but leisure centres remain closed.
With the State Government’s easing restrictions as of yesterday, all community facilities can now reopen with no more than 20 people in a single space, plus staff.
Playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks started to progressively re-open from Tuesday last week.
Council reminds people to adhere to the rules of 10 people gathering at a time, until restrictions further easing on June 20.
Libraries will open with some new processes in place.
Libraries will be open Monday to Friday, with Broadford’s library open 8.30am to 5pm; and Kilmore, Seymour and Wallan 9am to 5pm.
But council-operated leisure centres, pools and gym facilities remain closed to the public, despite the State Government allowing them to open.
Council’s Leisure Team hope to have the indoor pools at Kilmore and Seymour opened again in early June, with restrictions in place.
A council spokesperson said the pools were currently being heated and treated.
“Once they are ready, water samples then need to be sent to the Victorian Government for approval before the pools can re-open,” he said.
Mitchell Shire Council Mayor David Lowe thanked people for their patience as the council worked to deliver face-to-face services in a healthy and safe manner.
“We look forward to welcoming our community back into our libraries, leisure centres and council buildings soon,” he said.
“It is important to acknowledge these services are reopening with safety at the forefront.
“This includes processes for physical distancing, limits on visitor capacity, and a gradual schedule for re-opening.”
Mitchell Shire Leisure Services will offer new outdoor fitness classes at Kilmore Leisure Centre and Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, in line with government restrictions allowing outdoor exercise in groups of 10 people.
For those who choose to stay at home, the service’s livestreamed classes will continue on Facebook.
“We’re thrilled to introduce outdoor classes as part of Mitchell Leisure Services. These classes will provide community members with an opportunity for face-to-face instruction in line with updated restrictions for group exercise,” Cr Lowe said.
“Our livestreamed Facebook fitness sessions will also continue each week. We have received a great response to these videos and look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks.”
