Released 24/03/2020
The ACT Government has announced a range of changes to city services in response to a temporary shutdown of non-essential services in the ACT.
Libraries ACT
Libraries ACT will close all its nine library branches as well as the ACT Heritage Library to public access from tomorrow, Wednesday 25 March 2020.
For members of the community who need to access essential services such as computers, printers and photocopiers, access can be arranged by contacting Libraries ACT on 6205 9000. Access to these services will only be made available at the Woden, Dickson and Gungahlin branches by pre-arranged bookings.
Items currently on loan have had their due dates extended until the end of April 2020. Library chutes will remain open as per normal operating hours and library items can be renewed online or by phone on 6205 9000.
Library members can continue to access eBooks, eAudio, digital magazines, Story Box Library and other eResources on the Libraries ACT website using their membership number and passphrase.
In addition to these closures, the home library service will be postponed until further notice.
Cemeteries and crematoria
Gungahlin, Woden and Hall cemeteries are still open for visitors who wish to visit their loved one’s grave or memorial. People must follow the social distancing guidelines when they visit including staying 1.5 metres away from any other visitors.
Funeral services can still be held in the ACT, but must have no more than 10 people in attendance and observe the social distancing guidelines including having one person per 4 square metres. Canberra Cemeteries is continuing to work closely with the funeral industry to ensure these requirements are met.
Canberra Cemeteries has changed the way it delivers its services, with its head office currently closed to the public. Burial services are continuing as usual. For residents of the ACT who have a death in the family, most necessary arrangements with funeral directors, cemeteries and the crematorium can be made over the phone and online. We encourage families to contact their service provider for more information.
If you need to make any arrangements, please contact the Customer Service Team on 6204 0200 or email us at cemeteries@act.gov.au. Forms are digitally available and can be accessed via the Canberra Cemeteries website under the ‘forms and downloads’ tab.
Waste and recycling
Residential red and yellow bin collections are now starting from 5 am. There is currently no change to the start times of green bin collections which will remain as 7 am.
The ACT’s waste and recycling drop-off facilities including the Container Deposit Scheme return points, resource management centres and recycling drop off centres are operating as normal. Please note, however, that the weighbridges at the Mitchell and Mugga Resource Management Centres, Soft Landings mattress recycling and the Green Shed are not accepting cash payments, please use the eftpos facilities.
The community can access a range of digital resources at www.act.gov.au/recycling.
Domestic Animal Services
The Domestic Animal Services (DAS) shelter in Symonston is closed to the general public until further notice.
The shelter will remain staffed to care for the dogs in DAS’ care and allow people to collect their impounded dog if they phone ahead through Access Canberra on 13 22 81. If you are interested in re-homing a dog please also call Access Canberra within business hours. No cash payments will be accepted.
DAS Rangers will continue to respond to call outs for community safety.
Yarralumla Nursery
The ACT Government’s wholesale nursey located at Yarralumla is closed to the general public for the Plant Issue Scheme and wholesale sales until further notice.
If you have a wholesale order at the government’s nursery ready for collection, please contact them as soon as possible on 6207 2447 or at yarr.nursery@act.gov.au before visiting the site to book an order collection time. No cash payments will be accepted.
The government’s nursery will remain staffed to continue to maintain and irrigate the plants on site.
The Retail Garden Centre at the Heritage Nursery remains open for business.
Birrigai
Birrigai outdoor school is closed to the public until further notice.
Infrastructure projects
We are working closely with our contractors, suppliers and industry partners to mitigate delays to our infrastructure program as much as possible over the coming months. This is an active and ongoing conversation, particularly in light of the social distancing requirements recently enforced. Any changes to project timeframes will be communicated with the public once known.
For more information please visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
ACT Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
Renee Riley |
6207 5743 |
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