Council update on business operations around COVID-19

Wagga Wagga City Council has this week confirmed various changes to its business operations and public events in relation to the management of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at this time.

Council continues to take advice and guidance from the New South Wales Government (NSW Health) and the Federal Government (Department of Health) which are the lead agencies in this situation.

The latest advice received on Wednesday is a change around mass gatherings and large scale events and the affect this will have on public facilities and events.

The Federal Government has advised the number of people at indoor events now be restricted to 100 people.

Acting upon this advice, Council has made the decision to close the Civic Theatre to the public and has cancelled or postponed a number of performances scheduled in coming weeks. Theatre staff will be in contact with all ticket holders.

The Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre, the Wagga Wagga City Library and the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery will remain open at this stage, but numbers at the facility will be restricted to 100 people at any one time.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said an important message remained around personal hygiene and the need to practise social distancing in public spaces.

“The Civic Theatre has closed to the public because of the advice received around limiting numbers at public events,” Cr Conkey said.

“The number has changed from 500 people to 100 people for indoor spaces, and that advice has affected the theatre’s operations.

“The Oasis will continue to operate at the moment but will follow the advice of keeping numbers limited to 100 people. This is the same for the library and the art gallery.

“In these circumstances we thank the community for their patience and understanding, particularly in regards to the Oasis. The well-being of the community and also Council staff members is paramount.

“We continue to urge people to maintain a good level of personal hygiene by regularly washing their hands with soap and water. It is also advised to practise social distancing when in public spaces.”

Cr Conkey said Council is exploring online options for the community to remotely access library services.

“The library is a fantastic community service and we want people to be able to access as many services as possible to provide that continuation,” Cr Conkey said.

“Council staff are looking at options for delivering certain programs online, such as the popular Storytime which many children look forward to.”

Cr Conkey has also urged the community to be mindful of the materials they flush in the current toilet paper shortage.

“Community members are strongly encouraged to be aware of the materials they flush down the toilet,” he said.

“Foreign items, particularly wipes, have the potential to block sewer pipes and cause significant problems.”

Council will continue to review this situation consistent with the advice of the lead agencies.

The community will be updated if the situation changes.

For all Council-related COVID-19 updates visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus