Covid-19 – Important Community Information

This page has been established to provide the Kyogle Council community with relevant information about the Covid-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic as it becomes available and to update residents and ratepayers on Council’s services.

The safety of our communities and employees is Kyogle Council’s number one priority and to that end we are taking advice from the NSW and Federal Governments in relation to Covid-19.

Council aims to maintain service levels to our communities as much as possible, however that may change at short notice.

Council’s administration centre remains open, however social distancing guidelines apply (see below) and customers are asked to use the hand sanitizer, which is available at the front counter, on arrival. The operation of the administration centre will be reviewed depending on the volume of face-to-face traffic coming in.

Community members are reminded that most business with Council can now be conducted on-line or over the phone (6632 1611).

People who do not have access to a computer, can always phone Council (6632 1611) and talk to our customer service staff about what they can do to help you.

Council services

Most Council services are operating as normal, as resources allow. However, this may change at short notice and there have been some disruptions to a number of non-essential services.

What’s operating and what’s not

Kyogle library, including the mobile library, closed until further notice however library members can access eLibrary services Kyogle Visitor Information Centre is closed until further notice. Kyogle Museum is closed until further notice. Roxy Gallery is closed until further notice. The Kyogle Memorial Institute (KMI) Hall is closed until further notice. Council three public swimming pools closed until further notice. Kyogle Community Centre (formerly known as the Kyogle Seniors Centre) closed until further notice. Kyogle Youth Centre closed until further notice. Return and earn collection point at the Kyogle landfill closed until further notice. All Council caravan parks are closed to any new bookings. Kyogle Tip Shop closed until further notice. All Council playgrounds are closed until further notice. All outdoor gyms are closed until further notice. Council’s administration centre remains open, at this stage. All waste facilities remain open. Construction and maintenance crews remain on the job.

There may be further disruptions and delays as the Covid-19 situation develops. Council will provide regular updates on this page and social media.

Border Closures

The Queensland Government has advised Council of the following measures in relation to the closure of the Queensland border.

Full closure of Lions Road/Running Creek Road (a barrier will be in place preventing traffic from crossing the border). Soft closure at the Summerland Way/Mt Lindesay Highway (signage and 24 hour police presence). Soft closure of The Head/Carney Road in the Tenterfield Shire. Multiple police patrolled checkpoints in the Tweed. Cross border rail services will terminate in NSW – see the Transport NSW website. Road closure warning signs will be erected at Casino and Kyogle.

All people entering Queensland will be required to isolate for 14 days unless they are exempt. Exemptions will apply for:

Essential services; Public and community transport; Workers in border communities who are going to and from work; Border residents accessing essential goods and services; Freight and supply chain operations; Travel of a relative/carer of a dependant individual, specific compassionate circumstances; Police, emergency services and ambulance. Social travel is banned but specific compassionate/family travel may be permitted

For the full details on the Queensland border closure, including exemptions, enforcement measures and effects on cross border communities, go to the Queensland Government website.

Community support Business

The Australian Government is rolling out comprehensive targeted assistance to support businesses in response to the pandemic. Call the business.gov.au hotline on 13 28 46 to speak with a specialist adviser about what support is available. The hotline is open seven days a week from 7am-11pm AEST.  For the latest information on what is available to help business visit business.gov.au or click on the fact sheets below:

Individuals

As part of the Federal Government’s stimulus packages, support is being provided for individuals and families. For the latest advice on what  is available, click here. You can also follow the links below.

What you need to know about Covid-19

NSW Health says the best way to protect yourself and your family is the same as you would against any respiratory infection. Practice good hygiene by:

making sure to clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

You should also make sure you stay home if you are sick and practice social distancing.

Social distancing means we reduce the number of close physical and social contacts we have with one another.

While practising social distancing, people can travel to work (including public transport). For non-essential activities outside the workplace or attendance at schools, universities and childcare – social distancing includes:

avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces, for example family celebrations attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people where possible, for example when they are out and about in public place. avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people. avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment.

For more information about social distancing, refer to NSW Government – Social distancing

For the most up-to-date information on Covid-19 click on the following links: