Council’s Ongoing Coronavirus Response (28 March 2020)

As the Coronavirus Covid-19 situation continues to unfold and creates new challenges for us all, I wanted to use this Column to update you on the measures we are taking as an organisation.

There is a Coronavirus page on Council’s website with updated information on any current changes to our usual services and community activities – www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/Pages/Coronavirus I would urge you to check on that information in the first instance if you have a query about what is open or not.

Council’s priority is our staff, volunteers and customers and we’ve put in place a number of measures to help mitigate the potential infection or spread of Coronavirus in our workplaces.

A key measure was the decision to close the doors of Council’s offices to the public at this time.

Council remains open for business, it is just that customers and the community are encouraged to use phone, online, digital and other alternate channels to access our services.

Customers can access Council’s range of online services 24/7, including the submission of Development Applications (DAs), via www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/OnlineServices

You can also call Council on 02 6648 4000 during business hours, or email us via [email protected] Anyone needing to make account payments is being asked either to use the online payment options detailed on the account, or call Council during business hours.

Recommended hygiene and social distancing measures have been introduced across the organisation.

A ban has been imposed on all work-related staff travel. This includes training, industry forums and other group meetings. Alternative arrangements such as phone or video meetings are being used instead. Even internal meetings are being reviewed and only those that are business critical are happening – and these can only proceed if adequate social distancing measures and hygiene practices are in place.

External visitors that were previously due to be at Council for meetings, to provide training or consultancy services are being discouraged and video or phone meetings are being held instead.

Staff have also been requested to review any personal travel plans bearing in mind the advice and restrictions outlined by the Australian and NSW Governments’ health departments.

We have also produced a comprehensive FAQs list for staff regarding any questions that may arise if self-isolation, or changes to the workplace environment, is required.

Should that need arise, the organisation is well equipped for remote working to maintain essential community services where necessary.

With these measures, and the systems and processes we have in place, we are confident that we will be able to continue to provide essential community services during the current pandemic.