The early introduction of Stage 2 of the step-down approach to COVID-19 at the start of the month, and Stage 1 having come into effect on May 15, means that Council operations can also begin to return to normal.

Coinciding with the cooler weather, it's great to see that all of Council's parks that feature play equipment have reopened, including the Family Fun Park, Skate Park and Playway Park.

I should add that the Family Fun Precinct, including the Fun Park, will soon be getting a $5.1 million upgrade, thanks to $3.756 million in funding from the Queensland Government's Building Our Regions program.

I'm very pleased that this popular, free facility will continue to be the city's first choice for family recreation and leisure.

The City Library has also reopened but with changed operations - there is now a focus on its click-and-collect service, where patrons can reserve books online and pick them up in person at the Library, and for the timebeing the facility is open from 9.30am to 1.30pm, Monday to Friday.

From Friday, June 12, the Customer Service area of our Administration Building will return to normal face-to-face hours of 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, as will the Animal Management Facility and the Works Yard.

I understand many people have been wondering about when the Container Exchange area of the Waste Management Facility, as well as Splashez Aquatic Centre, will be reopening.

I would like to reassure everyone that Council staff are continuing to work towards reopening these facilities to the public and that we should have a clearer idea in the coming weeks as to when this will be happening.

We are also still working on the implementation of the livestreaming and/or recording of Council meetings.

I see it as a priority to establish the livestreaming of Council meetings, to enable members of the public to view them and in the interests of public transparency.

This is particularly important at a time when social distancing requirements mean that we are not able to have public galleries at Council meetings.

Our Budget negotiations are continuing and I look forward to handing down the first Budget of the current Council term at a special meeting on Wednesday, June 24.

Local arts and community organisations are urged to apply for the latest round of Council's Regional Arts Development Fund - applications close on Wednesday, June 17.

I'm excited to remind people about the good news that the Mount Isa Show Day public holiday, on Friday, June 19, will still be observed - so although the Show itself won't be going ahead, it will still be a public holiday in Mount Isa.

Mount Isa Mayor Danielle Slade