27 March 2020: Update of COVID-19’s impact on the Gunnedah Shire

27 March, 2020

As we approach the end of the second major week of the Coronavirus pandemic in Australia, Gunnedah Shire Council wishes to thank the majority of the community for their flexibility and understanding during this unprecedented situation.

Many Gunnedah Shire services and facilities have closed their doors to in-person contact. Despite these new challenges it is heartening to see Gunnedah Shire residents quickly adapting to this new way of life. The community has discovered new ways to support each other and stay connected despite requirements for physical distancing and self-isolation.

Gunnedah Shire Council remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the health and safety of the community. The clear, continuing recommendation from health and government authorities is that people must remain home wherever possible.

Police are the responsible body for the enforcement of public health orders. If community members have concerns about breaches to COVID-19 health orders, they are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone seeking the latest information on COVID-19 should visit or call:

NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/ Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080 Send ‘hi’ to +41 79 781 87 91 on whatsapp to connect with updates from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Today

The upcoming local government elections in September have been postponed. The NSW Government recently announced these will now occur in September 2021. The current Gunnedah Shire Councillors will continue to hold their civic offices until this time. The Gunnedah Showground remains open with pedestrian access for use that complies with state and federal government guidelines. Camping in NSW National parks is not permitted from today, 27th March. The Gunnedah Community Roundtable has created a Facebook page to help connect the community to information regarding service closures, community groups and other helpful resources. You can follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Gunnedahcommunityroundtablemeeting/

Changes to Council Services

Following the closure of the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building in Elgin Street to face to face visitors, the customer service team remains available for enquiries through phone: (02) 6740 2100, email: [email protected] or by visiting www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Payment Options

For payment of accounts, please refer to alternate payment methods on your rates and charges notice or water usage account. Other payments include mailing a cheque, direct debit, or online or telephone payments using BPay or BPoint.

A reminder that if you are experiencing financial difficulty during this time, Council has moved to freeze interest accrual against rates, fees and charges that are currently outstanding or may become outstanding and will cease the escalation of any accounts to formal debt recovery.

Appointments

Planning and rates appointments are being conducted over the phone or through email, please contact Council to arrange this.

Documents

If you have a physical document to submit to Council, a drop box has been established outside the Elgin Street premises to aid this process.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.