Published on Friday, 4 December 2020 at 8:38:31 AM
The community will soon have increased access to City facilities with opening hours set to expand as a temporary 20 per cent reduction in staff hours in response to Covid 19 comes to an end.
City staff supported a 6-month reduction in hours that was approved by the Fair Work Commission in July and facility opening hours were realigned to manage the reduction in capacity.
Along with other cost saving measures such as a wage increase freeze and reduced capital works program, the City has been able to balance its current budget in the face of significant loss in revenue and ongoing uncertainty.
City of Albany Chief Executive Officer Andrew Sharpe said facilities like Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre, Albany Library, the Tip Shop and National Anzac Centre will begin to open for longer again.
“It’s really exciting for the community that we’re able to expand our service delivery again and it is really testament to the way our staff and our community has been able to work through the challenges we’ve faced from Covid this year,” he said.
“There is still a lot of uncertainty ahead so the City needs to remain adaptable and make business decisions that are not only sustainability but align with community expectations in terms of service delivery, and we think we’re balancing that really well.
“We’re very grateful for the support our community has shown as we navigate a reduction in revenue and resources and look forward to continuing to support our community as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Some facilities will maintain reduced hours across Christmas and New Year to accommodate the traditional festive period, with the aim to have all facilities increasing operating hours from January 4, 2021.
Community members visiting City facilities will still be required to abide by public gathering and physical distancing requirements, and follow hygiene and contact tracing protocols.
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