COVID-19 (Coronavirus) information

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) information

Published on 16 March 2020

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, Byron Shire Council will continue taking steps to protect the safety of our staff, customers and our community – and to keep our community informed about impacts on our operations and services.

“Our Crisis Management Team is meeting regularly and we have been preparing for a wide range of scenarios so that we are ready and can respond quickly and get information and updates out to our community as the situation evolves and decisions are made," Byron Shire Council's General Manager, Mark Arnold said.

“It is very important that people keep abreast of the seriousness of this situation by staying up to date with information and advice from the NSW and Federal health authorities,” Mr Arnold said. 

“In addition we will be keeping our website up to date with Council facility and service disruptions and closures.  From this date, Council's public consultation activities such as workshops and gatherings have been cancelled and we'll be asking people to make submissions online or to call us,” he said.

“Along with the health implications, we are also aware of the economic impacts COVID-19 is having on our community.

“Please keep in mind that property owners having difficulty paying their rates or water/sewerage notices can contact Council to arrange a payment plan. 

“Council will be very shortly issuing the next quarterly water/sewerage notice.  Additionally, the next quarterly rates instalment notice will be issued by the end of April 2020.

“Further, Council has a financial hardship policy concerning outstanding rates and charges and this may be of assistance to some people as it provides concessions in certain circumstances,” Mr Arnold said.

For more information please see Council’s financial hardship policy on our website. 

In addition, Council encourages businesses to get in touch with their local Chambers of Commerce and Small Business NSW for advice.  Recent stimulus funding provided by the Australian Government is also available to eligible people via the Australian Tax Office.

Council Update – facilities and operations (WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH: 12 midday) Council Meeting – Thursday 19 March – going ahead

Public access available.  Hygiene protocols will be in place.

Libraries – closed (for two weeks and then will be reassessed)

The Member Councils of the Richmond Tweed Regional Library has closed all libraries in its network including Byron Bay, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads for two weeks from 17 March (to be reassessed after that).  For more information see our media release.

Pools – open and operating as normal

Both Petria Thomas Pool in Mullumbimby and the Byron Bay Pool are operating as normal. 

The Cavanbah Centre – open and operating as normal

Some activities have been cancelled and postponed by organisers.  Please contact the Cavanbah Centre with any questions.

Hygiene protocols and extra cleaning are in place.

Markets

Please view specific market websites or contact the organisers directly as advice may change.

Lone Goat Gallery

Closed (for two weeks and then will be reassessed).

Sandhills Childcare Centre, Byron Bay

Open and operating as normal.

Out of School Hours Services

Running as normal.

For more information

Go to Council’s COVID-19 update on our website.

For information about rates and sewer/water fees and for assistance phone 6626 7007 or email [email protected]

Media Release Posted on Monday 16 March 2020

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, Byron Shire Council is taking further steps to protect the safety of our staff, customers and our community.

“We enacted our Crisis Management Team several weeks ago and have been preparing a range of measures to assist us in keeping our community and staff safe while we focus on maintaining the delivery of Council services,” Byron Shire Council’s General Manager, Mark Arnold said.

At this time, we strongly urge our residents, businesses and visitors to keep abreast of information and take advice from the NSW and Federal health authorities,” Mr Arnold said.

For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) go to: Northern Rivers Health District Education Businesses

If you are a local business the following websites have COVID-19 (Coronavirus) information and resources you can use to inform staff and customers:

Council Operations

Council has established its own Crisis Management Team from across the organisation to respond quickly to the changing situation and is taking advice and direction from the NSW and Federal Governments. 

Council’s primary focus is maintaining services and, should it be necessary, flexible working options are available to Council staff.

Signage to remind staff and members of the public about the importance of hygiene is in the bathrooms at Council offices and hand sanitiser is also available in public areas of Council buildings as well as staff kitchens.

If people feel unwell, Council asks them to avoid coming to our offices and instead call on 6626 7000 or email [email protected].

Council meetings

Council meetings will continue to be held unless advice is received from the NSW and Australian Governments.  People who are not feeling well are asked not to attend Council meetings.

Libraries

From 17 March 2020 all Richmond Tweed regional libraries were closed including Byron Bay, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads for two weeks. For more information go to: