Gunnedah Shire Council has released a statement regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it was "continuing to review health advice".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The council has also put in place changes to meet guidelines for public safety.
General manager Eric Groth said the council was monitoring the NSW Health site and liaising with other government agencies to ensure a best practice response.
These interim measures are in line with state and federal government advisories about gatherings of more than 500 people and social distancing of 1.5m between people at all times.
Changes to council services:
Access to council premises and facilities
The council is currently considering reduced customer service hours, including specified times for vulnerable groups. We will continue to monitor the situation with a view to this being introduced in the coming week. The community is encouraged to avoid face-to-face contact where possible.
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser has been placed at council facilities and visitors are encouraged to regularly wash their hands and maintain social distancing.
Read also:
Payment of invoices and customer service enquiries
Customers are asked to make every effort to pay invoices via phone and internet banking using the BPay or BPoint details specified on their invoice. For other enquiries, it is advisable to phone Gunnedah Shire Council in the first instance as it is likely queries can be resolved without visiting the office in person.
Meetings with council staff
For planning and rates enquiries, please phone ahead to schedule an appointment. Where possible, meetings will be conducted over the phone to limit in-person contact.
Council meetings
The ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, March 18 at Curlewis will proceed, however members of the public are strongly encouraged to observe social distancing should they attend. There are no planned community presentations for this meeting.
A decision regarding future council meetings will be determined based on advice from NSW Health.
Changes to date include:
- Gunnedah library: cancellation of regular programs, alternatives are housebound delivery for Gunnedah residents if they cannot come into the library and e-resources are available. Home drop-offs will be left at the door and staff will not be entering homes. For more information, ring 6740 2190.
- Cancellation of new residents event at the Autumn Markets on March 21. Organisers have advised the markets are also cancelled.
- Cancellation of Youth Week events including the Youth Expo on April 2
- Cancellation of Harmony Week activities
- Cancellation of school holiday program for the Easter school holidays
- Cancellation of interschool debating
- Cancellation of Youth Leaders Forum
- Cancellation of GoCo social groups
- Cancellation of The Sapphires theatre performance
- Cancellation of Divine Voyeurism opening on Friday, March 20. The exhibition will still be on display and open to the public
- Cancellation of screenings at The Civic Cinema from Friday, March 20. There will be no movies shown for two weeks after this date.
The council is continuing to review other events and activities, and will keep residents updated as changes are made. Facebook and Gunnedah Shire Council's website are a great way to keep informed.
For other community events held by other groups in the community, please refer to the organisers.
Gunnedah Shire Council asks people to take precautions with their health and the health of their loved ones by following these guidelines from the NSW Health website:
- clean your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
- cover your sneeze or cough with your elbow or with tissue.
- avoid close contact with people who are ill
- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- stay home if you are sick.
To find out more, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au
