We have closed several facilities in line with government directions. Council has also moved to limit face-to-face interaction, with our customer service centres, administration at the Queanbeyan depot, visitor information centres and more closed for service in person. Council will continue to follow the directions of state and federal governments in what we expect to be a changing scenario. We continue to serve customers via live chat on our website between 8.30am-4.30pm, over the phone via 1300 735 025 or via email to council@qprc.nsw.gov.au. We continue to provide essential services such as waste collection, water and sewage works, roadworks, service requests, processing of developments and other applications. It is important that all of us practice social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19, to stay home as much as possible, only going out for essentials or healthcare. Please follow the directions of the Australian Government and NSW Health and stay up to date on the latest health advice.
Braidwood Pool refurbishment: With the outdoor pools now closed after the summer season, we have started work on the refurbishment of Braidwood Pool. The works are aimed at fixing leaking joints and retiling of the pool to current standards. Demolition has progressed well so far, with the majority of tiles removed.
Rusten House: We are continuing work on the refurbishment of Rusten House in Queanbeyan, with the focus of the project moving to reconstruction of damaged and rotten verandas, the rebuild of internal floors and preparing the adjacent area for a car park. Rusten House was built in 1861 and is one of Queanbeyan's most significant properties. Originally built to replace the Benevolent Asylum to serve the more affluent community, by the early 20th century Rusten House became a community hospital, then a nurses' dormitory during the 1930s. In 1991 it was renamed as Rusten House after the hospital's first matron Mary Rusten. This project will restore an important local heritage item and is funded by council and the NSW Government.
Local government elections postponed: The Minister for Local Government has announced that the September 2020 local government elections will be postponed to address the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus. The postponement of the next election will not change the future schedule of council elections, and the subsequent election will still proceed in September 2024.
