Business as usual, minus the visits

It’s business as usual, just minus the personal visits. That’s the message from Eurobodalla Council as measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 temporarily close more doors.

Council’s depots in Narooma, Moruya and Batemans Bay will no longer be open to the public as of close of business today. The main administration building in Moruya will also close, from midday Monday.

General Manager Catherine Dale said the vast majority Council business can be done online or over the phone.

“These are challenging times, and we know not everyone feels comfortable online, so I really encourage residents to call our customer service team on 4474 1000. They’re great people you can rely on for the right information and to take the time to guide you through any of our services,” she said.

“Our staff are still working away, many from home, while some essential staff are split between our two adjoining buildings in Moruya to ensure continuity of business.

“While bushfire recovery continues, the last thing we want is the entire DA assessment team getting sick, so we’ve split them across two buildings to make sure we can keep processing those all important development applications. We’re taking similar precautions with our customer service and IT teams.

“Our outdoor staff – parks, roads and water and sewer crews - will continue their work, with increased hygiene practices and modified working arrangements aligned with the government’s health advice.”

Dr Dale said after registering more than 5,000 bushfire-affected households, Eurobodalla’s Recovery Centre will close on Saturday. The recovery point in Narooma closed yesterday.

“The support services and financial packages stay in place and the welfare agencies, NSW Government agencies and Council teams will continue working together to identify and provide the bushfire recovery help our community needs,” she said.

“There is still much to do and we’ll keep talking with individuals and communities, just in a different way. Clearly meetings are no longer an option, so bushfire-impacted residents can expect to hear from us soon with important information and contact details to make sure they can continue towards recovery and get the help they need.

“Property clean-up is a priority for many impacted residents, and today we’ve taken measures to make sure our three waste management facilities will be able to continue bushfire clean-up and meet domestic waste needs in the face of COVID-19.”