Pools, water parks to close

All Townsville City Council-owned pools as well as the Rockpool and water park on The Strand and the Riverway lagoons will close today in line with the Australian Government’s new social distancing restrictions to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Mayor and Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) chairperson Jenny Hill said the new rules put in place by the Federal Government last night were clear.

“The Prime Minister last night announced that all pools and sporting activities were to close down as Australians work to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Cr Hill said.

For Townsville City Council that means that we have to close the Rockpool, The Strand Water Park, Long Tan Memorial Pool, Kokoda Memorial Pool, the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre and the Riverway lagoons.

All pool lessees have been notified. Pools and the Strand Water Park will close from 5pm today. Barbecues are also being disconnected in these areas as per social distancing restrictions.

Council is following the advice of the Federal Government closely. Council will also close Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, all CityLibraries, community centres and its customer service centre at 103 Walker St at close of business today.

For more updates on COVID-19, visit health.qld.gov.au.