KEMPSEY Shire Council is set to resume a number of public services including local library branches and waste management services.
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The NSW Government have amended public health orders to allow regional travel and a range of public facilities to re-open from Monday.
In line with these changes, council will re-open the library branches at Kempsey, Stuarts Point and South West Rocks for borrowing.
The initial re-opening of the much-loved libraries will be subject to a number of restrictions, including reduced hours, limitations on services offered as well as the number of people inside at once and length of stay.
Restrictions on council's Waste Management Centre will also be lifted. Although the facilities never closed, they were restricted to essential waste. Residents will now be able to take non-essential waste to the centres and the ReUse Shop and CRC Trailer will begin operating again from Monday.
Council general manager Craig Milburn welcomed the news but reminded the community not to be complacent.
"Some of these facilities have been closed for months so it is great news for our community particularly for our tourism operators who have been hit hard by the closures," he said.
"With the restrictions easing and a sense of normality starting to return, it's crucial to remember that the virus risk is still present. We all have a role to play in minimising that risk, so I encourage everyone to continue to act responsibly."
Council has actively sought to clarify the operating procedures and guidelines for the five Macleay Valley Coast Holiday Parks following the Premier's announcement that regional NSW was open for recreational trips. There has been significant interest from holiday-makers in returning to the Valley which is great news for local business.
"Our holiday parks intend to open on Monday and will operate to the highest standards of hygiene and public safety," Mr Milburn said.
"Our management partners will work quickly to implement any specific guidelines or operating procedures relevant to holiday parks should they be provided."
Summary of changes
The library and its branches in Hat Head, Stuarts Point and South West Rocks will re-open from Monday 1 June for restricted hours to provide a borrowing service only.
o Kempsey branch: Monday-Friday 10am-2pm
o South West Rocks branch: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-1pm
o Stuarts Point branch: Tuesday and Thursday 10am-1pm
o Hat Head Branch: Remains closed
. The ReUse Shop at council's Waste Management Centre on Crescent Head Rd, South Kempsey will open with a maximum of three people in the shop at once
. The Community Recycling Centre Trailer service will resume operation
. Council and Australian Tourist Park Management are re-opening Hat Head, Horseshoe Bay and Grassy Head Holiday Parks and resuming normal operation at Crescent Head and Stuarts Point Holiday Parks
. The shore-side area of Crescent Head Foreshore Carpark will re-open.
All services will resume subject to strict enforcement of public health guidelines including social distancing and public hygiene. Community members are asked not to attend any council facility if they are feeling unwell.
For more information on the changes go to council's website: www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
