Jessica Micallef
All leisure centres and sports stadiums in the Macedon Ranges have reopened for public use.
Modifications are in place at all facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The number of people inside centres is restricted and patrons are asked to practice good hygiene, maintain physical distancing and to not enter the centers if feeling unwell.
Residents in locked down metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell shire will not be able to enter the facilities.
The council’s chief executive Margot Stork said the health and safety of patrons and staff was the top priority.
“As we have done since the pandemic began, the council is taking a measured and careful approach to the reopening of all our facilities,” she said.
“We will continue to reopen facilities in line with government advice, and when we consider it is safe to do so and appropriate modifications are in place.”
Businesses across the Macedon Ranges are allowed to remain open because the region is not under stage three lockdown.
Ms Stork said staff needed to comply with government regulations when open.
“As we all know, businesses have been doing it hard during the pandemic,” she said.
“We encourage local people to support them wherever they can at this time, when visitors from the metropolitan area are unable to enter the shire due to the current lockdown in Melbourne.”
Aquatic centres, indoor gyms, most libraries, Hanging Rock Reserve, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, sports grounds, parks and most public toilets in the Macedon Ranges are available for public use.
Council service desks at Romsey Community Hub, Woodend Community Centre, Gisborne and Kyneton administration centres, sports pavilions and community halls remain closed.
Decisions regarding the reopening of these services will be made in the coming weeks.
For updates on the council service changes and closures, call 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
