Council services and facilities during COVID-19
The status of our services and facilities is changing as the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions change. We are doing our best to stay up to date and open services and facilities to you as quickly and safely as possible.
Some of our facilities are still closed, due to COVID-19. The decision to open facilities is made following the direction of Public Health Orders and advice from the NSW Government.
Strict protocols will be in place for using all Council facilities, to keep the community and Council staff safe. If you’re planning to visit a Council facility, please ensure you follow the instructions of staff and signage and practice physical distancing and personal hygiene.
Staff at Council facilities will turn you away if you have flu-like symptoms, even if they’re mild. We are relying on your help to keep our staff and the wider community safe.
Services and facilities availability
Red = CLOSED
Blue = PARTIAL OPENING
Green = OPEN
| Service | Status | More information |
|---|---|---|
|
BBQ facilities |
||
|
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre |
||
|
Blue Mountains Family Day Care |
||
|
Blue Mountains Hub & Theatre |
Open for tenant and Library access only. More information on the Hub. |
|
|
Braemar House & Gallery |
Reopening August 6. More information on Braemar House & Gallery. |
|
|
Bushcare volunteer program |
||
|
Customer service |
||
|
Camping grounds |
||
|
Community consultation |
||
|
Community halls and facilities |
||
|
Council meetings |
||
|
Echo Point lookout |
||
|
Gyms |
||
|
Libraries |
||
|
Parks |
||
|
Playgrounds |
||
|
Public exhibitions (Development Applications) - online |
||
|
Skate parks |
||
|
Sport playing fields and grounds |
||
|
Swimming pools - indoor |
||
|
Swimming pools - outdoor |
||
|
Tourist Parks |
||
|
Waste collection facilities |
||
| Visitor Information Centres
|
||
|
Waste services |
Partial closures
Customer service
Customer service remains available over the phone, online and via email Monday to Friday.
Face-to-face service will reopen 4 days a week (9am-4pm, Monday-Thursday) at Katoomba only. The Springwood Customer Service Counter remains closed.
For assistance please call 4723 5000 (Lower Mountains) or 4780 5000 (Upper Mountains) contact, email council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or head online to our eService webpage.
Libraries
Springwood and Katoomba libraries are open Monday - Friday, 10am-5pm.
From Saturday, 11 July, hours at Katoomba and Springwood will be extended. In addition to the above, Springwood Library will also open from 10am-4pm on Saturdays. Katoomba Library will open on Saturdays from 10am-4pm, and on Sundays from 12pm-4pm
From Monday, July 20, Blaxland Library will reopen with limited hours.
Find out more on the Library webpage. Alternatively, the Library can be contacted on 4723 5040 (Lower Mountains) or 4780 5750 (Upper Mountains).
What’s online?
- Customer service via email council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or by logging a customer service request on the eServices webpage
- Our Libraries have comprehensive online collections including eBooks, eMagazines, local history information, movie streaming and more. Find out more on the Library webpage.
- Subscribe to Council’s fortnightly eNewsletter online
- Find all council’s media releases in our online media centre
- Council’s Good Neighbour program
- Love Local Blue Mountains’ businesses online
- Information for businesses and links to information and support available on the Recovery for business webpage
Community updates
Rates announcement
Council is legally required to levy ratepayers (under the Local Government Act 1993) and unfortunately we are not able to waive rates. However, we can provide residents who have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak with the following assistance for the remainder of the 2019/2020 financial period.
The Council derives a large proportion of its revenue from Council rates, which is essential as it allows us to provide required services and infrastructure to residents of the City. While many services are currently closed, Council still has significant overheads that we must continue to pay, including keeping our staff employed.
4th Quarterly Rate Instalment payments
As stated above, Council is legally required to levy ratepayers and the 4th quarterly rate instalment must be levied by 30 April 2020 and paid by 31 May 2020. Instalment notices for this quarter were issued to all ratepayers on 21 April 2020. In recognition of those ratepayers affected by the Coronavirus the Council has implemented a number of options to assist including:
Payment arrangements
Where ratepayers are unable to pay their rates because of suffering a loss or reduction in employment, Council will approve extended instalment payment plans. Interest penalties can be put on hold during the period of the arrangement.
Requests will be considered on a case by case basis. Contact Council and ask for the Revenue team, on 4780 5000.
Small businesses
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is just starting to have its full effects and we understand that small businesses may also experience financial difficulties as a result.
Council can offer arrangements to pay rates and debtor accounts over a period of time, and on an interest free basis. Please contact Council on 4780 5000 and ask to speak to the revenue team.
All requests should be referred to the Council’s Revenue Section so notations can be included on rate and debtor accounts. Contact Council and ask for the Revenue team, on 4780 5000.