Fishing and boating access has been closed at Lake Moondarra but the area around the Lake remains mostly open to people taking exercise.
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Mount Isa Water Board said in a statement in response to National Cabinet decisions, there are partial closures in place at Lake Moondarra Outback Park however Transport Bay picnic area and the dam lookout remain open to the public for day-use activities.
MIWB has closed Warrina Park, colloquially known as Peacock Park in response to the National Cabinet announcement closing children's playgrounds.
"The intent of Government decisions is clearly that everyone should stay home" MIWB Chief Executive Stephen Farrelly said "no member of the public needs to put a boat on Lake Moondarra for work purposes, no one has a boat on the Lake as their place of residence, there is no essential purpose for a member of the public to use a motor craft on Lake Moondarra".
Closures can be lawfully enforceable, however MIWB's practice has been to appeal to the community for cooperation in matters like these.
"We all understand the disappointment of having our recreation activities and freedom of movement curtailed" Mr Farrelly said "however we also understand how important it is to follow the advice and directions of the Chief Health Officer and contain the spread of this virus".
Access to the Lake and the Reserve surrounding it remains open to the public for the essential purpose of exercise, including the use of canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
Mr Farrelly said that while access to the Lake remained open, the situation would continue to be monitored to ensure COVID-19 measures were being respected.
"The banning of public gatherings of more than two people has been announced and MIWB will continue to monitor compliance," Mr Farrelly said.
"MIWB understands the significance of the outdoor space at the Lake to the Mount Isa community however, the safety of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic is paramount and the National Cabinet's decision is clear, all children's playgrounds are now closed.
"While closures can be lawfully enforceable, we would much prefer to appeal to the community in these matters."
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