Covid-19 Service Changes

PUBLIC STATEMENT – COVID 19

Port Pirie Regional Council is mindful of community concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID 19) and the impact it is having on our local community.

We find ourselves in an unprecedented environment and would like to assure that the wellbeing of the community is our first priority and that we will continue to monitor and adapt to the rapidly developing and changing situation around the Coronavirus (COVID 19).

Because of the rapidly changing situation we are focussing our primary communication through our website www.pirie.sa.gov.au and Facebook page. We will continue to use radio, television and newspapers to communicate information however using our website and Facebook is a quicker way to get information out.

Please share our website and Facebook information with your family and friends.

We continue to review and adjust our services in line with Federal and State Government guidelines (please see the Update on Council Services below).

Council has a Business Continuity Plan which contemplates a pandemic situation and identifies key services required to be provided. This Plan is continually being reviewed as circumstances evolve and advice is received by the lead agencies, being the State and Federal Government.

The most up to date and trusted information and alerts regarding the Coronavirus should be sourced directly from the lead agencies dealing with the Coronavirus –

Mayor Stephens is in regular communication with our local Member of Parliament The Hon Geoff Brock regarding our preparation and plans for the Coronavirus.

If unsure about what to do at any time, call the Coronavirus Health Information Line for general questions on 1800 020 080.

Updates on Council Services:

COVID-19 Update from Mayor Stephens         6 JANUARY 2022

There has been a great change to the COVID-19 situation in SA and our region during the Christmas/New Year period.

As of yesterday, SA Health has listed 47 active cases in the Port Pirie City & Districts region.

We understand this is a confusing and frightening time for our community and want to reassure you that Port Pirie Regional Council is here for you.

We are operating business as usual in a COVID safe manner to ensure we can continue to provide services for our community. Segregating our staff to work from home or alternate locations as per State Government advice is one way we are managing the risk of potential spread and ensuring services can continue to operate.

As a duty of care to our community, the following youth activities at the Port Pirie Regional Library have been suspended until further notice – Lego Club, Baby Bounce and the school holiday activity program.

The preferred method of payment at all Council sites is by card, however, we are still accepting cash.

We are continually monitoring the situation and will advise of any changes or developments as soon as they occur.

We understand there are a lot of questions around the number of cases in our region and details of transmission.

SA Health is a source of truth for this type of information. Port Pirie Regional Council does not have any more information on the detail around case numbers and transmission in our region than what is publicly available through SA Health.

SA Health has a COVID-19 heat map on their website which details the number of COVID-19 cases in our region. Their website also contains useful information on the definition of close contacts, testing and isolation requirements, etc.

Please visit the SA Health website www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/ or State Government website www.covid-19.sa.gov.au or follow SA Health on Facebook for regular updates.

It is more important than ever to protect ourselves and those around us through social distancing, sanitising, wiping down surfaces and staying away from others if unwell.

Please stay safe and take care of those around you.

- Mayor Leon Stephens

Cash and Card Transactions at Council Sites     5 JANUARY 2022

Please note that contactless (card) payment is the preferred method of payment; however, Council sites will still be accepting cash.

Temporary Suspension of Youth Activities         4 JANUARY 2022

We would like to advise that due to the current COVID-19 situation in our region, the following youth activities at the Port Pirie Regional Library have been suspended until further notice:

- Lego Club

- Baby Bounce

- January School Holiday Activities

Temporary Closure of Shark Cage VR Experience         21 DECEMBER 2021

We would like to advise that due to the current COVID-19 situation in South Australia, the Shark Cage VR Experience at the Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre will be temporarily closed until further notice.

Reopening of Council Services                                       27 JULY 2021

The State Government has confirmed that  the Stage 5 restrictions and lockdown in South Australia will end at 12.01am on Wednesday 28 July 2021. Therefore, the following Council services will reopen to the public as normal:

  • Port Pirie Administration Centre
  • Port Pirie & Crystal Brook Works Depots
  • Port Pirie & Crystal Brook Waste Transfer Stations
  • Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre and Art Gallery
  • Port Pirie Regional Library
  • Crystal Brook Library and Office

We ask that you consider the following when entering Council sites:

  • Check in with QR code or manual sign in sheet where appropriate
  • Maintain the social distancing of 1 person per 4sqm
  • Wear a mask when entering indoor public spaces

A series of restrictions and advice has been issued by the State Government for the following 7 days. Please refer to the State Government website for a full list of restrictions: SA.GOV.AU: COVID-19 | SA.GOV.AU: COVID-19

We thank the community for your cooperation during lockdown and we look forward to resumiing our full range of services as of Wednesday 28 July 2021.

Tips for Kerbside Collections during COVID-19             22 JULY 2021

Kerbside waste and recycling collections are still continuing as normal throughout the COVID-19 lockdown. Below are some tips for working together to keep our drivers and communities safe.

Please remember that the Port Pirie and Crystal Brook Waste Transfer Stations are closed to the public untilfurther notice.

Poster Kerbside Collection Advice

Response to SA Restrictions                                       20 JULY 2021

Public access of the following locations will be closed from 9.00am Tuesday 20 July 2021 until further notice in response to the Stage 5 restrictions and lockdown announced today by the State Government.

  • Port Pirie Administration Centre
  • Port Pirie & Crystal Brook Works Depots
  • Port Pirie & Crystal Brook Waste Transfer Stations
  • Port Pirie Aquatic & Leisure Centre.
  • Port Pirie Visitor Information  Centre and Art Gallery
  • Port Pirie Regional Library
  • Crystal Brook Library and Office

Council can be contacted via email (council@pirie.sa.gov.au) or phone (8633 9777) at any time. However, please keep in mind that we will only have limited staff attending to email and phone enquiries during this time so your patience will be appreciated.

During this period consistent with the State Government's directions, Council will be prioritising only essential and emergency responses. Kerbside waste collection services will remain unaffected.

Council will continue to monitor and adapt to this rapidly changing situation and will endeavour to keep you updated.

Response to SA Restrictions                                       19 JULY 2021

The South Australian Government has announced a series of new restrictions in response to the developing COVID-19 situation in South Australia. These restrictions will be implemented from 12.01am Tuesday 20 July 2021 and includes temporary closures of non-essential retail, masks to be worn in public spaces and seated outdoor dining only (a full list will be made available soon). The State Government will review these restrictions on Friday 23 July 2021.

The Port Pirie Aquatic & Leisure Centre will be closed from 9.00am Tuesday 20 July 2021 until further notice.

Port Pirie Regional Council is awaiting further advice from the State Government and continually monitoring the situation. We will keep the community informed on whether other Council services will be temporarily closed or affected.

Please check the Port Pirie Regional Council website (https://www.pirie.sa.gov.au/what-do-councils-do/other-services/covid-19) or the Port Pirie Regional Council Facebook page before attending any council sites and for further updates.

Please rely on trusted sources of information (as above) for COVID-19 advice and information. Please also be sure to keep an eye on the State Government's website and social media to view the latest hotspots and exposure sites and follow the health advice provided.

.

.

.

.

.

THE INFORMATION BELOW IS FOR HISTORIC PURPOSE ONLY AND IS NOW OUTDATED

Free Face Masks Available                                              8 DECEMBER 2020

Council is providing free face mask packs for the community to help in the fight against COVID-19.

While masks are not mandatory in the general community, they are recommended when out in public if you are unable to physically distance. They are also mandatory under current State Government directions for health care environments and  for employees of personal care businesses (see www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019 for full information on mask use).

Masks are now available from:

Council’s Administration Centre: 115 Ellen Street, Port Pirie

Crystal Brook Office: Bowman Street, Crystal Brook

Port Pirie Regional Library: 3 Wandearah Road, Port Pirie

Opening hours for these offices can be found here

We are working with the local Community Development Associations to provide face masks to Napperby, Koolunga and Redhill and will provide further updates once the distribution points have been confirmed.

Baby Bounce Update                                                      8 DECEMBER 2020

The Port Pirie Regional Library's Baby Bounce program will resume this Thursday at 10.00am.

Council Services Update                                               1 DECEMBER 2020

Council has resumed all normal services following the State Government 'circuit breaker' lockdown and restrictions.

Some face to face activities eg. Baby Bounce has been postponed.

The Port Pirie Regional Library and Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre and Art Gallery require a mandatory COVID Safe Check In. This can be done on the My SA Gov app or by signing a manual register.

COVID-19 Update 18 Nov 2020

Customer Requests                                               19 NOVEMBER 2020

Council is still accepting customer requests at this time by the following means:
- Phone (8633 9777 or 8636 2150)
- Email (council@pirie.sa.gov.au)
- Via the My Local Services app
All requests will be monitored however only very urgent requests will be dealt with during the next six days given that we have minimum staff during the State Government directed 'circuit breaker' restriction period. All other non-urgent requests will be recorded and handled when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
We thank you for your patience and understanding and we will continue to provide updates via our website (www.pirie.sa.gov.au) and Facebook page.

Mayor's Statement - COVID-19 Update                    18 NOVEMBER 2020

As we experienced earlier in the year, the COVID-19 pandemic is an ever-changing situation. The State Government has issued further directions this afternoon to enforce ‘circuit breaker’ restrictions as of midnight tonight for the next six days in response to the growing COVID-19 outbreak in Adelaide.

The full list of restrictions can be found at the State Government’s COVID-19 websitehttps://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/response

Below, I would like to outline Port Pirie Regional Council’s response to these directions. Please remember it is early days and we may need to make adjustments to these as required. If and when we do, please be assured that we will communicate these with our communities.

Council Services Closed as of 12.01am 19 November 2020

  • Port Pirie Regional Library
  • Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre
  • Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery
  • Port Pirie Aquatic & Leisure Centre
  • Crystal Brook Swimming Pool
  • Port Pirie and Crystal Brook Waste Transfer Stations (open for kerbside collections only).

** Council’s Administration Centre (115 Ellen Street, Port Pirie) and Crystal Brook Office (Bowman Street, Crystal Brook) will be closed but staff will be available to answer any phone or email enquiries.

Council Services Remaining Operational

  • Administration Centre and Crystal Brook Office receiving phone and email enquiries (Port Pirie Administration Centre – 8633 9777, Crystal Brook Office 8636 2150 or emailcouncil@pirie.sa.gov.au)
  • Kerbside collections will continue as normal.
  • Animal control still available (for emergency issues only eg. attacks)
  • Emergency response still available

Council Rates Notices

Council rates notices have been issued and those who receive these by email will start to receive them in the coming days.

Those who wish to make payments can do so online or at the Australia Post branch.

Trusted Sources of Information

We understand this is a difficult and uncertain time with lots of information and often rumours circulating. This can create a lot of anxiety and impact upon our mental health and wellbeing.  I encourage you all to rely on trusted sources of information including the State Government’s COVID-19 website (https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/) and the SA Health website (www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019).

We are closely monitoring the situation which is changing rapidly and will provide you with regularly updated information as soon as it becomes available.

We understand this is a difficult and anxious time for everyone and it is vitally important to take care of each other and protect our loved ones and wider community by following these directions. By taking strong action now, we have a very good chance of getting on top of the outbreak and preventing further spread to ensure we can all enjoy a safe and happy Christmas with our loved ones.

-      Mayor Leon Stephens

Mayor's Statement - COVID-19 Update                    17 NOVEMBER 2020

It is unfortunate that as we enter the final weeks of 2020, we are faced with a potential second wave of COVID-19 in South Australia following news of an outbreak in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. However, I am positive that the strength and resilience shown by our community and others around our state will help us to get through this uncertain time.

Port Pirie Regional Council has taken advice from Belgravia Leisure and the Office of Recreation & Sport following the State Government’s announcement and the Port Pirie Aquatic & Leisure Centre and Crystal Brook Swimming Pool are now temporarily closed until further notice. At this time all other Council services remain unchanged. We will keep you updated on any further service changes if and when they occur.

I encourage you to comply with the directions of the State Government and SA Health. Having restrictions imposed can be frustrating but if we comply with these measures now, we are more likely to reduce the length and severity of the virus’ impact and hopefully, prevent it from entering our region.

The State authorities have guided us through the early stages of the pandemic and South Australia has emerged as one of the most fortunate states in the most fortunate country. Now it is time to once again place our trust in their advice and direction to guide us through to the other side.

Let’s use this outbreak as a good reminder to not become complacent and instead, to remain vigilant with our social distancing and hygiene measures. This includes:

  • ·        Maintaining physical distancing (1.5 metres)
  • ·        Being aware that distancing requirements have changed to one person per 4 square metres (previously one person every 2 square metres)
  • ·        Keeping up hand washing and sanitising.
  • ·        Wiping down surfaces before and after use.
  • ·        Staying home if you are unwell.

We all need to work together and do our part to stop the spread of the virus and ensure that we can enjoy the festive season with our loved ones.

-      Mayor Leon Stephens

Opening of Access Doors Between Library and VIC         4 AUGUST 2020

Port Pirie Regional Council has today reopened the automatic doors between the Port Pirie Regional Library and Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre.

These doors were previously locked to maintain segregation of staff and the community using these facilities and due to the difference in operating hours when the Library and Visitor Information Centre reopened following their temporary closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.

As these facilities return to more consistent operating hours and people are accessing both facilities, Council has decided to reopen the adjoining doors to provide easier public access. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and any restrictions from the State Government.

Reinstating Cash Transactions at Council Sites        25 JUNE 2020

Port Pirie Regional Council is now accepting cash transactions at its facilities although EFTPOS/credit card is still the preferred method of payment.

Council sites became cashless in April this year as a public safety measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Council has continually monitored the COVID-19 situation and the

decision to reinstate cash transactions has been made with careful consideration of the current status of COVID-19 cases in South Australia.

The Council facilities where cash will be accepted are:

  • Council Administration Centre, 115 Ellen Street, Port Pirie
  • Port Pirie Waste Transfer Station, Three Chain Road, Port Pirie
  • Crystal Brook Waste Transfer Station, Binney Road, Crystal Brook
  • Port Pirie Library, 3 Wandearah Road, Port Pirie
  • Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre, 3 Mary Elie Street, Port Pirie

The acceptance of cash also coincides with the dog registrations renewal period, which officially starts on 1 July 2020. Dog owners are encouraged to complete the registration or renewal of their pet via Dogs and Cats Online (www.daco.com.au) however, residents without internet access are welcome to pay at Council’s Administration Centre in Ellen Street.

Port Pirie Regional Council would like to strongly encourage residents to continue to use cashless options of payment wherever possible as part of the ongoing community safety measures around COVID-19. We thank residents for their cooperation.

Tourism and Hospitality Sector COVID-19 Awareness Training    2 JUNE 2020

The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) has launched a free 30-min online course for business owners and employees in the tourism and hospitality sector. The COVID-19 Awareness Training covers what this sector needs to know to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19, as well as give customers a "COVID-clean" confidence.

A certificate will be issued upon completion of the course, which businesses can display in their premises and/or use in promotional material. Details and to access the course: COVID-19 Awareness Training

Cancellation of the 2020 Smelters Picnic    29 MAY 2020

As key community stakeholders, this week Port Pirie Regional Council Mayor Leon Stephens, Local Member Geoff Brock, and Nyrstar met with the Smelters Picnic Committee to discuss the impact the COVID-19 virus restrictions are having on the pre planning and delivery of this year’s Smelters Picnic.

On reviewing the ongoing advice from the SA Government regarding the restrictions and social distancing protocols in place associated with the virus, the ongoing uncertainty the restrictions are having on our community and the need to advise the numerous participants associated with the picnic the status of the picnic for this year, it has been decided that this year’s 2020 Smelters picnic will regrettably be cancelled.

The key community stakeholders and the Smelters Picnic Committee are immensely aware of the huge significance and positive impact the picnic has on the Port Pire community and wider region each year. However due to the ongoing uncertainty associated with the removal and easing of restrictions and the need to keep our community safe, the stakeholders and committee believe this is the correct decision at this time.

The decision to cancels this year’s picnic will disappoint many and interrupts the picnics long continuous history. However this decision is considered a once-off and the stakeholders have committed to meet regularly with the Smelters Picnic Committee to review the status of the restrictions and to continue to discuss if a smaller community event for this current year only could be organised in place of the picnic.

Any further updates regarding the status of this year’s picnic will be posted on the Nyrstar and Picnic Committee face book page and the Port Pirie Regional Council website. It is the intention of the partners that the picnic would return next year.

Libraries  Update – Stage 2 Restrictions    31 MAY 2020

Following the reopening of our Port Pirie and Crystal Brook Libraries on 14 May, please note the following restrictions as part of Stage 2 of the State Government’s roadmap to easing COVID-19 restrictions.

From 1 June, the following restrictions apply:

  • Maximum of 20 people (excluding staff) in the library at any one time. This may result in some delays.
  • Social distancing still applies (1.5 metres apart)
  • If you are returning items, please place all your returning items into the outside return chute only.
  • Entry to the Port Pirie Library is via the Wandearah Road (main entrance) only. No access will be available through the Tourism and Arts Centre.

Please note that the Port Pirie Library has recently amended its opening hours to 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday until further notice. The Crystal Brook Library will operate under its normal opening hours (10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Monday to Friday).

Playgrounds and Skate Parks Update – Stage 2 Restrictions    28 MAY 2020

The easing of restrictions under Stage 2 of the State Government’s roadmap means that up to 20 people can now access our playgrounds and skate parks at one time from Monday 1 June (ensuring social distancing is observed). Signage at each playground and skate park will be amended to reflect this change.

Re-opening of Port Pirie Regional Tourism and Arts Centre    28 MAY 2020

We are pleased to announce that the Port Pirie Regional Tourism and Arts Centre (home to the Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery and Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre) is set to reopen its doors from Monday 1 June in line with State Government direction. The Centre will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm daily.

Our staff look forward to welcoming the public back as we adhere to physical distancing, capacity limits and increased hygiene practices. Capacity limits are set at a maximum of 10 people within the Visitor Information Centre and 10 people within the Art Gallery. Floor adhesives will assist with social distancing in the main areas of interaction.

Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery’s current exhibition Robyn Stacey: Ray of Light has been extended until 24July and will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. This regional South Australian tour is presented in partnership with Country Arts SA, the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Regional Galleries Association of South Australia.

Bookings for groups of up to 10 people to view the Robyn Stacey exhibition can be made through the Visitor Information Centre on (08) 8633 8700.

The ‘Shakka the Shark’ exhibit will be available to groups of up to 4 people from within the same group, while the Virtual Reality (VR) Shark Cage Dive will reopen in the coming weeks.

The Centre’s gift shop will also be open for purchases of gifts and souvenirs. Please remember that payments are to be made by EFTPOS only, with no cash handling at this time.

There will be no access to the Port Pirie Library through the Centre. Library patrons must enter via the Wandearah Road main entrance.

Another important reminder is that there will be no public toilet access within the Centre at this time. However, the nearest public toilets are available at the following locations:

  • Flinders View Park, next to the Playground;
  • Adjacent to the Ellen Centre Shopping Complex;
  • Port Pirie Library – subject to capacity restrictions.

The Stateliner bus service remains closed at this time. Please refer to the Stateliner website for booking options: www.stateliner.com.au

Re-opening of the Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery    14 MAY 2020

We are pleased to announce that the Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery is planned to reopen on Tuesday 9 June following a temporary closure due to COVID-19 restrictions, subject to Government confirmation.

Our staff look forward to welcoming you back as we adhere to physical distancing, capacity limits and increased hygiene practices.

Re-opening of Libraries    14 MAY 2020 

Port Pirie Regional Council is excited to reopen our Port Pirie and Crystal Brook Libraries today. This follows the South Australian Government’s direction around the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Libraries are amongst the services and facilities identified by the Government for reopening in Stage 1 of a three-stage roadmap to easing COVID-19 restrictions.

To comply with State Government direction, our Libraries will operate with the following conditions:

  • A maximum of 10 people (excluding staff) in the Library at any one time.
  • Social distancing still applies (1.5 metres).
  • Library card is required as ID (in line with State Government Stage 1 requirements)
  • Please return all items to the OUTSIDE return chute only
  • Entry to the Port Pirie Library available via the Wandearah Road entrance only.

Please note that the Port Pirie Library has amended its opening hours to 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday until further notice. The Crystal Brook Library will operate under its normal opening hours (10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Monday to Friday).

We look forward to welcoming the community back to our libraries!

Re-opening of Playgrounds and Skate Parks    7 MAY 2020

We are excited to announce that all playgrounds and skate parks in our region will reopen from tomorrow, 8 May.

Council staff have undertaken risk assessments following last weekend's statement from SA Health.

We encourage the community to comply with State Government directives on social distancing, hygiene measures and having a maximum of 10 people in the facility at one time. Signage will be displayed at each facility to reinforce these directives.

RV Parks    28 APRIL 2020

RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks in the Port Pirie Regional Council region will remain open following risk assessments conducted as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Council acknowledges concerns from some members of the community in regards to the perceived risk of RV Parks remaining open at the present time. However, a risk assessment process has determined that there is a minimal actual risk when taking into account the current Local Government Functional Support Group Compliance Plan monitoring, the State Government restrictions on interstate travel and social distancing guidelines.

The RV Parks located in the Council region are:

  • Bowman Park, Crystal Brook
  • Jubilee Park, Crystal Brook
  • Lawrie Park, Napperby
  • Ellis Street Reserve, Redhill
  • White Cliffs, Koolunga
  • Bunyip Park, Koolunga
  • Clements Gap Reserve

These RV Parks will remain open until either the State Government directs otherwise or it is assessed by Council that due to changing circumstances other action is necessary.

No Cash Transactions at Waste Transfer Stations    24 APRIL 2020

Both our Port Pirie and Crystal Brook Waste Transfer Stations are now ‘cashless’. This decision was made for health and safety reasons due to the COVID 19 situation as we try to minimise potential spread of the virus through cash handling.

EFTPOS facilities are provided for use. The EFTPOS machine is located in a mounted box (door removed) that when used with Pay Wave, negates the need for touching any surfaces. Our friendly staff are also ensuring public safety is protected by regularly cleaning the EFTPOS machine and other contact surfaces as well as providing hand sanitiser for customers to use.

Signage is installed at the front gates and weighbridge to inform residents that cash transactions are not available before entry.

We apologise for any inconvenience but ask for residents’ cooperation in helping to ensure we all stay safe.

Public Toilets    9 APRIL 2020

Port Pirie Regional Council has conducted risk assessments on the public toilets in our Council region in response to the public health concerns around COVID 19. As a result, Council will increase the frequency of cleaning and checking of stocks of soaps/sanitisers and toilet paper in key facilities as well as restricting access through the temporary closure of some facilities.

Eleven of our nineteen public toilets will be targeted for the increased cleaning, with eight of the lesser used facilities to be temporarily closed. Importantly, Council has ensured that at least one public toilet facility is retained in each community in the Council region and also in publicly frequented areas eg. shopping districts.

These are listed below:

Public Toilets to remain OPEN:

  • Solomontown Beach, Port Pirie
  • Solomontown Beach Boat Ramp, Port Pirie
  • Flinders View Park, Port Pirie
  • Memorial Oval (Memorial Drive), Port Pirie
  • Globe Oval, Port Pirie
  • Woodward Park, Port Pirie
  • Cemetery, Port Pirie
  • Adelaide Square, Crystal Brook
  • Napperby Playground, Napperby
  • Mortimer Park, Redhill
  • Bunyip Park, Koolunga

Public Toilets to be temporarily CLOSED:

  • City Park, Port Pirie
  • Senate Road Complex, Port Pirie
  • Memorial Oval (soccer), Port Pirie
  • Memorial Oval (Gertrude Street), Port Pirie
  • Lawrie Park, Nelshaby
  • Jubilee Park, Crystal Brook
  • Bowman Park, Crystal Brook
  • White Cliffs, Koolunga

The public toilets remaining open will be available to the public between 7.00am and 6.00pm each day.

Temporary Closure of Outdoor Play Areas    30 MARCH 2020

Following the Australian Government’s announcement yesterday, Council has temporarily closed all playgrounds and skate parks in our region until further notice.

These are being physically locked where possible and signage installed. We thank you for your cooperation.

Update on Temporary Suspension of Some Council Services   26 MARCH 2020

Following the Australian Government’s announcement on Tuesday night in response to the public health concerns around COVID-19, the following Port Pirie Regional Council services will be suspended until further notice (effective as of COB yesterday, Wednesday 25 March):

  • Port Pirie Library
  • Crystal Brook Library
  • Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery
  • Crystal Brook Swimming Pool
  • Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre – consistent with the Federal Government direction around suspension of Local Government non-essential services. Please note, Stateliner Bus Service remains in operation and is still accessible to the public via a separate entrance.

It is also likely that as part of our strategies for continued service delivery, Council staff will be working from different locations in order to comply with social distancing protocols. Further details will be made available as these actions are implemented.
Council will continue to monitor and adapt to this rapidly changing situation and will endeavour to keep you updated.
The safety and wellbeing of the community and our staff are our first priority and we thank you for your support and understanding.

Temporary Suspension of Some Council Services    24 MARCH 2020

Under the direction of the Australian Government in response to the public health concerns around COVID-19, the following Council services will be suspended until further notice:

  • Port Pirie Aquatic & Leisure Centre (both indoor and outdoor facilities following confirmation that outdoor pools attached to indoor sporting venues are included in the Australian Government guidelines).
  • Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre – Shark Cage Virtual Reality experience.
  • Port Pirie Library – All children’s activities (includes Baby Bounce, Lego Club, Sunday Storytime and Gen Z).
  • Crystal Brook Community Bus.

As our duty of care to vulnerable people, Council has also suspended the following services until further notice:

  • Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre – Weekend and Public Holiday hours suspended.
  • Pirie Rail Express Miniature Railway.
  • Tech Savvy Seniors (Port Pirie Library).

Based on current Government guidelines, the Crystal Brook Swimming Pool will remain open as per normal operating procedures as it is a separate outdoor facility. Belgravia Leisure has implemented risk mitigation strategies for social distancing and personal hygiene. Please note that the Crystal Brook Pool season is due to conclude on Tuesday 31 March 2020.

We will continue to monitor and adapt to this rapidly changing situation and keep you updated. The safety and wellbeing of the community is our first priority and we thank you for your support and understanding.