UPDATE – Ararat Rural City Council service arrangements during COVID-19

New campers will be prevented from using the Green Hill Lake campground and the Alexandra Oval Reserve gates will be locked and the community centre closed in the latest measures Ararat Rural City Council has taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said these new arrangements have been put in place after the Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement yesterday that all non-essential services cease to operate.

Dr Harrison said that all other Council service arrangements that were announced last week would stand.

He said campers that are currently using the Green Hill Lake campground would be permitted to stay but are welcome to leave voluntarily, but new campers will not be permitted. Community Safety Officers will be patrolling the area regularly to enforce this measure.

Dr Harrison said the Alexandra Oval precinct in Ararat would be closed, with the gates locked to prevent traffic entering. Pedestrian access would still be allowed. Alexandra Gardens are not affected.

The full details of all service arrangements are on the Ararat Rural City Council’s website – www.ararat.vic.gov.au – click on the link on the home page.

Ararat Rural City Council last week suspended services and closed facilities until further notice to help ensure the health and safety of the community and help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dr Harrison said it was paramount for the Council to protect the health and welfare of residents in light of the escalation of risk and the State Government’s extra regulations that were announced over the weekend.

“I reassure our residents that Council continues to work closely with State and Federal Government agencies, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and the East Grampians Health Service to determine our response to the pandemic,” he said.

“Council will continue to take the advice of experts and officials and will take the necessary steps to protect our community, our staff members and volunteers.

“The State and Federal Governments have instigated a very well-coordinated public health response to COVID-19. I encourage the community to stay calm and keep informed about the virus through official government channels, which are the most accurate source of information.”

Ararat Rural City Council service closures

Customer service centre at the 59 Vincent Street office – residents can still email via [email protected] and telephone on 5355 0200. Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre Ararat Regional Library Ararat Fitness Centre – all memberships have been suspended Ararat Town Hall – ticket holders will be contacted The Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre Ararat Gallery TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australia) Alexandra Oval Reserve including the Alexandra Oval Community Centre Green Hill Lake Campground – new campers prohibited

Ararat Rural City Council service changes

Transfer stations: Meals on Wheels – this service will continue but will be staffed by Council staff members instead of volunteers. Community Care – staff will be in constant contact with clients to ensure their health, wellbeing and safety are maintained. Business Networking Breakfast – the breakfast, scheduled for Wednesday 25 March, has been cancelled.

Ararat Rural City Council unaffected services

Kerbside waste collections

Community events and festivals

Many local events and festivals organised by community members and volunteer groups over the next few months have been cancelled in light of a Federal Government ban on large gatherings. Event organisers can phone Council’s Community and Event Co-ordinator Robyn Hemley on 0427 051 562 if they need support.

State Government websites with information and advice about Coronavirus

Federal Government website with information and advice about Coronavirus:

Government hotlines

If you suspect you may have Covid-19, the State Government encourages people to call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398. The Federal Government’s Coronavirus hotline is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It can be phoned on 1800 020 080.