Both Murrumbidgee and Berrigan Shire Council have said while councillors can now come together for meetings, the general public will be advised not to attend to ensure social distancing measures and Coronavirus restrictions are met.
Meetings will continue to be recorded and livestreamed.
In the meantime, libraries, public barbecues and playgrounds and skate parks not under construction have been reopened to the public.
Public toilets will also be reopened, with the exception of Hayes Park in Berrigan which is being refurbished.
In Berrigan Shire, facilities remaining closed for now include Finley Showgrounds, Town Beach and all Council controlled halls and community buildings.
Berigan Shire Mayor Matthew Hannan said while it's good to see things reopening around the shire, it must be done slowly to ensure the safety of the residents.
“It shouldn't be too long before we're at the new normal,” he said.
“It's an opportune time for our council facilities to reopen with travel now allowed in regional New South Wales.
“We will continue to follow state government guidelines and open other facilities as advised.”
Berrigan Shire library co-ordinator Anne Nevins said while patron numbers at libraries will be restricted to start, she is hopeful more people will be allowed to enjoy the facilities as we move closer to ‘normal'.
“We’re really excited to open the doors of the library again, but due to restrictions we can only have 10 people, max, in the library at one time and we can’t allow any group visitation,” Mrs Nevins said.
“It’s a little frustrating for us since museums and churches are allowed 50 people are we’re only allowed 10, but we are ruled by state government and state libraries so we have to follow the guidelines set to us.
“We are hoping this changes soon.
“Until then we have sneeze screens at the desk and multiple sanitizer stations, we will be restricting computer use to 60 minutes at a time and we will have a sign in and out sheet as well as other measures in place at each library.”
Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae said anyone using the reopened facilities should take extra safety and hygiene precautions.
“We have strict physical distancing rules in place and ask everyone to pay close attention to these,” Cr McRae said.“Additionally, for the safety of everyone, our staff will be undertaking extensive cleaning of the facilities throughout the day.
“It’s great news that councillors will now be able to meet in person again at the council meetings, but unfortunately we are still unable to open the public gallery due to Coronavirus restrictions.”
Murrumbidgee Council's offices will be open from 9am to midday and 2pm to 4pm on weekdays.
Berrigan Shire offices will open 8am to 5pm weekdays, and the Bendigo Bank agency will remain available from 1.30pm to 3.30pm weekdays.
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