Mission to Reopen Cockburn begins

15MAY2020

Mission ‘Reopen Cockburn’ has begun as the City prepares to ease COVID-19 restrictions.

While adhering to the 20-person social distancing limits, the City will coordinate the limited reopening of the City’s three libraries, sporting reserves and Cockburn Youth Centre from Monday, 18 May.

Cockburn ARC and community facilities like community halls and centres are preparing to reopen from Monday 25 May.

Barbecues, water fountains and public toilets will be ready to use by 28 May. Cockburn Mens Shed will reopen on 19 May.

Some of these facilities will only be available to members or by invitation, most with a limited service offering, and residents are urged to find out more detail via the City’s website.

The City asks for patience as it eases restrictions in line with State Government directives for Phase 2 of its COVID-19 Roadmap to Recovery, to safely move West Australians back to normal life.

City of Cockburn Acting CEO Daniel Arndt confirmed that playgrounds and skate parks would not reopen until Phase 3 around mid-June, as determined by the State’s Roadmap.

“City staff have been busily preparing for the staged reopening of facilities, in a way that is safe for both customers and staff,” Mr Arndt said.

“We are taking a cautious and considered approach to ensure safety for all and as such, some facilities will not open immediately as we work through those operational considerations.

“It will take up to two weeks to action some openings, as we make facilities and procedures safe for visitors and staff alike.

“We know that our community will be keen to get out and use park facilities.

“The 100+ barbecues and 100+ drinking fountains will need to be made operational by licensed professionals. These tasks, and reopening all public toilets, is likely to take about a week.

“While we have plans for cleaning regimes and signage ready for distancing and hygiene practices, there are practical considerations, especially for facilities like Cockburn ARC.

“Before we can operate the swimming pools, the water needs to be heated over a period of a week. The State Government Health Department then needs to declare that the pools meet appropriate standards, in the interest of public safety.

“Certain services are also re-training staff to deliver new operational and public safety practices.”

Check the City of Cockburn website for updates on the reopening of local services and facilities.