Stinger nets to stay in place

Swimmers now have the option to spend more time in Townsville’s ocean with the decision to keep stinger nets open along The Strand until public pools reopen.

Townsville City Council has extended the stinger net period to encourage residents to stay active and healthy despite the social distancing restrictions in place keeping swimming pools closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Sport and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Maurie Soars, said Council was committed to doing its part to provide exercise locations while also sticking to physical distancing restrictions.

“It’s been more than a month and a half since Council closed down public pools in line with advice from the Federal Government,” Cr Soars said.

“Beaches are now open for swimming, however pools remain closed. That’s why we’ve made the choice to keep stinger nets in the water along The Strand for longer than usual.”

Cr Soars said getting enough exercise daily was important for the physical and mental health of all residents.

“It’s important for Council to do what it can to encourage locals to get their 30 minutes of daily exercise in, whether that’s at home or at the beach now that restrictions have eased slightly,” he said.

Division three representative, Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney, said it was great to see so many people enjoying The Strand, provided they stuck to physical distancing guidelines.

“Restrictions have scaled back, but that doesn’t mean that physical distancing isn’t still important. Remember to stay 1.5m away from others and practice good hygiene when out and about,” Cr Greaney said.

“Businesses across the area have been feeling the support given to them during this time, and I’d encourage the community to keep rallying around our local businesses as we continue to band together in the fight against COVID-19.”

For more information about facilities that are closed, visit the Venues, Locations and Opening Hours webpage.