City of Greater Geelong closes facilities in Coronavirus response

The City of Greater Geelong has become the latest council in Victoria to announce that it will close many of its facilities as part of a proactive response to the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

In a statement, the Council advises that “the measures support the important directive to reduce social contact in an attempt to prevent the local spread of Coronavirus.”

Adding that “to help slow the spread of the virus, minimise impacts on the community and protect the provision of critical services”, the City has decided to close public access to:

• Aquatic and recreation centres (Leisurelink, Waterworld, Splashdown, Bellarine Aquatic and Sport Centre, Kardinia Pool and Lara Pool);
• Sport arenas (The Geelong Arena, Barwon Valley Activity Centre, Corio Leisuretime Centre);
• Potato Shed;
• National Wool Museum; and
• The Carousel.

With the Council’s action in line with the declaration of a State of Emergency in Victoria by the Victorian Government on Monday, it has advised that employees and tenants will continue to have access to the listed facilities.

The move sees the Council’s ‘Swim, Sport and Leisure’ memberships suspended.

Commenting on the move, Greater Geelong Mayor, Stephanie Asher stated “this is an unprecedented move, but it is vital that we aim to ‘flatten the curve’ and minimise the spread of the outbreak. 

“We appreciate the inconvenience to our community members and recognise that the disruptions are not ideal. However, all of our decisions are focused around doing what is best for the health of our community, volunteers and employees.

“We are considering a number of measures to support our community and businesses in the municipality (and) we will keep a regular stream of information about how we can help and what changes are being put in place.”

Image: The National Wool Museum.