Community spirit to help through tough times

Liverpool City Council is following the advice of Federal and State Governments regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and for this reason there have been significant changes to its facilities and services.

“There have been huge disruptions to the daily lives of Council staff and the wider community as a result of novel coronavirus,” Mayor Wendy Waller said.

Council is also aware of the challenges this disruption has presented for the local business community and is taking action to assist.

“Council recognises that businesses of all sizes have begun feeling the pinch,” Mayor Waller said.

Council has already waived outdoor café permit fees and has waived parking fees at Warren Serviceway car park for essential workers on available spaces.

Council will be advocating State Government to waive parking fees at Liverpool hospital car park.

A budget briefing will be held next week for Council to consider all other possible options to assist small business and the community in preparation for the next Council meeting.

Council staff are also liaising with businesses across many industries to work out what kind of support Council can provide.

“I would encourage eligible businesses to make the most of the Federal and State Government’s recently announced stimulus packages. Links to further information can be found on Council’s website,” Mayor Waller said.

“The broader Liverpool community can also lend a hand and help our businesses keep ticking along during these uncertain times.

“Whether it’s buying a gift voucher or something special online from a local retailer or ordering tasty takeaway from one of our many wonderful cafes and restaurants, it all helps.”

Mayor Waller said despite the disruption to daily life, essential services would be maintained.

“I want to reassure our community that Council’s essential services will continue.

“While Council’s Customer Service centre is closed to the public, the community can still report issues by calling 1300 36 2170 or lodging a request through our website.

“We will continue kerbside waste collection, our childcare centres remain open at this time and Council staff are continuing their work to support our community.”

With the welfare of Council staff and the community in mind, a number of Council’s facilities have been closed to the public until further notice.

“Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, all Liverpool City Library branches, Liverpool Regional Museum, Council-owned leisure and recreation centres, Liverpool Animal Shelter and the Community Recycling Centre have been closed to the public until further notice,” Mayor Waller said.

“All of Council’s public events have been postponed indefinitely, all casual hire of community facilities has been suspended and there are restrictions on use of Council parks and sporting grounds. We have also suspended bulk rubbish household collections for the time being.

“The Public Gallery is now closed during Council meetings. The March meeting was online only and a recording will be available in coming days.”

Although a range of face-to-face services and facilities were no longer available, Mayor Waller said Council was looking into ways to keep connected with the community.

“We are investigating how our fantastic creative and learning facilities, including Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Liverpool City Library and Liverpool Regional Museum can bring events and activities to the community virtually to give them something to do if cooped up at home,” Mayor Waller said.

“We’re looking into virtual tours and events which will complement the huge range of online resources already available for free through the Liverpool City Library website. There you can find e-books, audio, e-comics, e-children's books, databases and other tools for online research and learning.”

Mayor Waller called upon the community to work together to get through the challenges presented by novel coronavirus.

“We must work together and draw upon our many strengths. That also means doing the right thing by following social distancing recommendations and good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.”