Leisure centre and theatre close as council cuts services

The Peninsula Leisure Centre, the Peninsula Theatre, and council libraries and halls have been closed as Central Coast Council winds up facilities it deems non-essential.

Council chief executive Mr Gary Murphy announced the new measures which came into effect on the March 23.

Mr Murphy said the decision was made in response to the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation and State Government directives.

Mr Murphy said the decision was made with the public's health in mind.

He said the move would allow council to focus on delivering essential services.

"Our job right now is ensuring we play our part in managing as best we can the spread of coronavirus, and to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and community.

"A number of our services are not interrupted and these include essential services such as water and sewer, collection and management of waste, development assessments, road repairs, child care centres and public toilets which will remain open.

"Maintenance of sports fields, parks and reserves, such as mowing and other services will be evaluated as the situation unfolds.

"Beaches remain open and we will continue to monitor public attendance to comply with the restrictions around outdoor gatherings.

"We will still attend to customer service queries by phone on 1300 463 954 and via council's website and keep the community updated through council's information channels including social media, e-news and advertising," Mr Murphy said.

Mr Murphy said that council would have to deliver services differently and that staff were evaluating all options and taking on the advice of health authorities.

SOURCE:

Media release, 22 Mar 2020

Gary Murphy, Central Coast Council