Council updates strategy to deal with COVID-19 in response to Government direction

Wollondilly Council has updated its strategy to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic again today in response to current direction from the State and Federal governments.

Council is increasing the strength of its previous measures and is now moving every possible service online, enabling staff to work from home wherever possible and limiting the risk to the community.

Essential services will continue, however Council will be stopping face-to-face services where practical and making any necessary meetings by appointment only.

Mayor Matthew Deeth said, “As a Council we want to be here for the community and we are committed to providing the essential services that our residents depend on.”

“We want to be on top of this situation and we are encouraging all of our residents to stay at home if they can, to try and flatten the curve and keep everyone as safe as possible.”

“If people need to shop, then we would encourage them to shop at local businesses.”

“We welcome the Federal Government’s support for small business and we are looking at what Council can do to support our local businesses even further during this difficult time,” he said.

Council’s Customer Service counter will be closing from 12pm on Tuesday 24 March, but residents can continue to do business with Council online or by phone. Any payments can be made by phone or online.

Council will be also be moving towards online lodgement of Development Applications and will be accepting them by mail until COB Friday 27 March 2020. Site inspections will be by appointment only.

Council’s Children’s Services will be open for families that need to access the service, but children are encouraged to stay home in line with NSW Government guidelines.

Likewise, family day care operators are able to stay open for those who need access to this service, however parents are encouraged to keep children at home. Vacation Care and Occasional Care will be closed at this time.

The Wollondilly Library is only operating online services at this time.

Council facilities including halls, swimming pools and the Warragamba RV centre are closed and sporting fields are closed for official activities until April 30, with ongoing reviews and an extension if required.

Council’s environmental health service and compliance services will continue, based on urgent health, safety or environmental issues.

Animal services will still be operating, with visits to the pound by appointment only.

Council’s building certification service will continue, focusing on critical site inspections. Sites will be required to be vacated before inspections.

Cemetery services will continue, by appointment only. 

The Bargo Resource Recovery Centre remains open and the domestic waste management service will operate as normal, along with all public litter and recycling services.

Area maintenance and town centre cleaning will continue and the tree management service will operate based on urgent safety, health or environmental issues, with sites to be vacated before inspection.

Road maintenance and drainage maintenance will continue, as will capital works, road construction and repair works. High priority work and urgent safety issues will be completed first.

Council meetings are planned to continue at this stage, with increased social distancing measures enforced.

This is a constantly evolving situation and Council is monitoring public health updates and government announcements. Please see Council’s website for further updates on our services https://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/resident-services/emergency-information/disaster-and-public-health/covid-19-updates/

Appointments can be made by calling 4677 1100 or emailing [email protected]