Essential services update

Lachlan Shire Council advises that all essential public services will continue during the current coronavirus situation but some other services will be affected until further notice.

While there are no confirmed cases of the virus in our community, the NSW Department of Health advice is we must act as though the virus is already here.

The following measures have been implemented to limit the spread of the virus:

•Willow Bend Sports Centre – in line with the Federal Government’s directive the Willow Bend Sports Centre was closed from 12:00pm Monday and will not re-opened until the directive is lifted.

•Public Swimming Pools – Lake Cargelligo, Condobolin and Tottenham Swimming Pools were closed on Monday however, the Condobolin Pool Kiosk will remain open for a week to sell take away food.

•Libraries – Council’s libraries are closed to the public, however we will endeavour to maintain online services.

•HACC Services – will be restricted to Meals on Wheels, telephone support and patient transport to essential appointments, (subject to the patient not displaying symptoms of Coronavirus).

•Child Care Centre – will remain open and operate under their usual controls. If possible additional after school care and vacation care may be arranged should schools be closed however this cannot be guaranteed.

•Event Applications – Council will not accept applications for public or private events at Council owned facilities until further notice. This will be reviewed regularly as the situation changes.

•Sports Grounds – will be closed to all organised sport immediately.

•Visitor Information Centre – the VIC will be closed this week.

•Caravan Parks – will remain open however additional signs will be placed in areas like the camp kitchen to direct people to wipe down and clean the facility before use.

•Public Toilets – will remain open with additional signs around social distancing and hygiene.

•Community Centre/Men’s Shed/etc. – These public buildings will be closed until further notice

•Waste Collection – will continue and the Environmental Health Officer will arrange expansion of the service to Murrin Bridge.

Regular updates will be provided by Council to keep the public informed.

Community members are advised to conduct as much business as possible on line or over the telephone, including the payment of rates and charges. Council’s office will remain open by appointment only for certain customer services such as building or development enquiries where a face to face meeting is required.

Council is also lifting curfews for delivery trucks and working collaboratively with local retailers in an effort to support their ability to restock products and provide flexibility in delivery time restrictions. This will allow our retailers to ensure service supply to our most vulnerable at this time.

Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf OAM said Council was following best advice from both the Federal and State governments in its robust response to the coronavirus.

“Council thanks the community for its co-operation and understanding in these very trying times,” the Mayor said. “Please continue to observe common sense hygiene practices, observe social distancing recommendations of 1.5m and remember to take care of each other, particularly the vulnerable.” 

If you need support during this difficult time, please contact one of the following organisations:

•Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

•Lifeline - 13 11 14

•Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800

•MensLine Australia- 1300 78 99 78

•Open Arms - 1800 011 046

•Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

If it is an emergency and there is an immediate risk of harm, please call 000

The following organisations can also assist in more specific ways:

•Australian Taxation Office

•Local Business Support

•Meals on Wheels

•Link Housing

•Relationships Australia

•Catholic Care

•Food Bank

Further information is available at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases

Important information for businesses and employees can be found via this link: https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/businesses-and-employees