Message from your Mayor - COVID-19

Message from your Mayor - COVID-19

Published on 26 March 2020

During the bushfire tragedy that occurred over the recent summer period our community was resilient, generous and supported each other. We were ready to help and reach out to those who needed a helping hand in the face of this disaster. This is what identifies us as Australians. As a community, we need to pause and find this strength again to protect all residents, especially the most vulnerable, and overcome the unprecedented challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as it starts to impact every one of us in our City.

Like the rest of Australia, Burnside Council has been preparing itself for trying and challenging days ahead. In these uncertain times, we all have important roles to play in limiting the spread of COVID-19 to protect ourselves and our fellow community members.

Everyday life has become harder for us all and although the precautions may seem extreme, they are necessary. The COVID-19 emergency will test us like never before and it will take a long time before we are able to go about our ‘old and routine’ lives. 

In line with the recent communications from our CEO, Federal and State governments, I remind all of the imperative requirement to undertake regular and thorough handwashing with soap and to maintain social distancing. Please follow the rules about social gatherings, at home and in public parks and for those who require it, observing periods of self-isolation. I thank all of you for your diligence in helping to slow the spread of the virus and for your actions to date.

Burnside Council has a plan in place to ensure that crucial services can still be delivered to the community and in particular, to support residents who may already be socially isolated, while protecting the health of our community and workers. Our plan includes how we care for our staff and how we prioritise our services so that those in the community with the more critical needs are cared for as a priority and that core services, such as waste management, can be maintained.

As many of you are now aware, the Civic Centre, Library and other Community Centres were closed last week. Our staff have been creative and innovative to ensure we maintain as many services as we realistically can, considering the circumstances. They are now delivering our services in different ways. Casual staff who would have been working in functions that have been cancelled are helping to provide essential services for our community, many replacing volunteers who we have tried to protect and keep safe. We have separated work teams and spread out workstations to comply with social distancing rules and undertaken increased cleaning of council facilities.

On a personal note, I understand how our community is feeling right now. We’ve seen businesses close their doors, people lose their jobs, and much-loved and treasured community facilities close.

I can’t go swimming or to the gym, but I can walk along and reflect at a quiet place. I can read, write, compose, edit, explore the internet and talk to friends on the phone. I can even write a good old fashioned letter! I will remain positive, and be sensible to keep my distance.

I too miss ‘being up close and personal’ with my community. I too am concerned at the mounting job losses, and the worrying potential of illness, loneliness and other health issues.

My overwhelming message to you all is to be kind to each other...not ‘random acts of kindness’ but regular and deliberate ones!

I ask all of you to show kindness and community spirit, stay strong and support one another. If you are feeling lonely and would like someone to talk to please call us on 83664176. I am also happy to talk with you about any matter on 0455336599. Our history informs us of many times of hardship and uncertainty and yet we have always persevered. What we do today as individuals and as a wider community will determine how well we emerge from this crisis. 

Anne Monceaux

Mayor

City of Burnside

Some of the changes we have put in place to protect our community through these unprecedented times are listed below:

Council Chat Line

ALL Burnside residents are welcome to phone our team at any time if they are feeling lonely and would like someone to talk with on 8366 4176. 

Council Meetings

Our recent scheduled meeting was adjourned to the 14 April 2020 at 6pm. The meeting schedule remains in place; however, emergency legislation has been presented to Parliament this week which will likely change the way we operate. We will communicate these changes once more information becomes available.

Customer Service Desk

Enquiries and help is still available through our Customer Service Desk.  You can still call us on 8366 4200 or email [email protected] with queries.  You can also lodge eNotices, make payments and log a request for service online at www.burnside.sa.gov.au

Financial Hardship – supporting you during COVID-19

The public health measures to date have had a significant impact on the economy with many businesses closing or significantly reducing their trading hours. This has resulted in large numbers of people becoming unemployed and experiencing financial hardship nationally, and our resident’s and ratepayers are not immune to this.

We understand your concerns around reduced revenue, financial obligations, and management of employees, legal obligations, maintaining workplace health and planning around disruptions.

Council customers, including businesses, who are currently experiencing financial hardship can contact us to discuss an acceptable payment arrangement.

We have implemented several immediate measures to ease the impact of this situation and resultant financial pressures on households:

No fines or interest will be charged on rates until 31 August 2020. Ratepayers can arrange to pay their rates weekly, fortnightly or monthly, based on an amount that suits their budget.   Ratepayers can postpone the fourth instalment of 2019/20 and the first instalment of 2020/21 up to December 2020 without having to pay any interest. Ratepayers aged 60 and over who have a seniors’ card may be eligible to postpone their rates. 

More detail can be found in the summary table with further information available from Council staff on 8366 4200.

Supporting Small Business

Council has adopted extra measures to give critical support to businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Council is fast tracking payments to creditors in 14 days (max) instead of 28 days.

Businesses within Council premises / property have been offered rent relief and the option to stay open if feasible and within the Federal restrictions.

Sports Clubs

Clubs which pay Council monthly for facility use will have their charges waived during this period.

Home Care and Visits

While the social groups (3Rs, Bus trips, Come and Try, Men’s programs) and community shopping bus have been suspended, the Home Support Program is continuing to provide essential home services to the vulnerable in our community. Clients are continuing to receive support for personal care, transport to medical appointments, accompanied shopping, cleaning, respite, home maintenance and home modification services. Clients of the suspended social groups who may now be feeling a little lonely can choose to call our chat line or have a visit from one of our support workers in their own home.  Support staff will also phone clients for a friendly chat. 

Do you need more information on COVID-19?

The situation in Australia and South Australia is constantly changing so it is important to keep up-to-date and take heed of all health and travel advice from the Australian Department of Health and SA Health. Please familiarise yourselves with these resources and keep tuned to the latest news in print, media, radio and television for daily updates.

For updates on what Council is doing check out our COVID-19 portal, call 8366 4200 or follow us on Facebook for more information.