Update for the week – 17 April 2020

Published on Friday, 17 April 2020 at 12:13:44 PM

A short working week following the ‘Easter at home’ last weekend, although we recognise it may not feel short for parents trying to work from home, with children off school at the same time. We hope that you are finding a little time in the week to look after yourselves too.

Last weekend also saw the fire out at Blandstown and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteer and career fire crews who give up their personal time to ensure our safety to control this fire.

KIND CALLS

This week the YORKIND team has called nearly 600 residents to check in and see how everyone is coping with social isolation measures. The response has confirmed that the York community is a tight knit one, with members looking out for each other.  In fact, many of the people called offered help for others, rather than needing anything themselves!  We have however been able to connect a number of individuals with volunteers to help with shopping assistance, pharmacy pickups and weekly catch up calls.

A regular request has been for help chopping firewood and we are looking for volunteers to take on this more physical activity. If you could spare an hour to help someone out, please contact YORKIND on 9641 1301.

MORE INFO

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

A Special Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 21 April 2020 commencing at 5.00pm. Due to the current circumstances the meeting will be held as an E-Meeting. As the meeting is being held online the general public will be unable to attend.

Questions relevant to the below topics only, can be forwarded to the Shire Administration Office via email – [email protected] by 4.00pm on the day of the meeting.

Purpose of the Meeting

SUPPORT LOCAL

With the Government today confirming that current restrictions will stay in place for the next four weeks, more than ever local businesses are relying on your support.

Open for Business is the Shire’s online local business directory, to let the community know what retailers in York are operating reduce hours or services during this time.   Many local retailers would be happy to help you chose a gift and organise payment and delivery over the phone.  Please consider buying local if possible, it may take slightly more effort than going online to Amazon, but our business community will appreciate your support more. MORE INFO

RESTRICTED BURNING EXTENDED

Restricted Burning Times were due to end on 14 April, however the DFES Commissioner extended all Local Government Restricted Burning Times until 30 April 2020.

A Permit to Burn is required for all agricultural fires. There is an exemption allowing the burning of small piles (max 1 cubic meter) providing strict conditions are met and the DFES Communications Centre must be called on 1800 198 140 to notify the address and duration of the fire.

Further information on permits to burn can be found on the Shire’s website.

MORE INFO

INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UPDATE

Important projects continue including work taking place with the reconstruction and widening of Goldfields Road and fire access track maintenance and adjacent fuel reduction on Mount Brown this week.  The Avon Park redevelopment is progressing well with visible elements of the Skate Park and Nature Play area emerging now.

ALLAWUNA LANDFILL – PUBLIC CONSULTATION

The Shire has received an application to extend the period for the development to be substantially commenced to 8 March 2022.  

The landfill is currently subject to a separate assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority which, until completed, prohibits authorities from making a decision which would cause or allow the proposal to be implemented. Because of this, the Shire stopped the clock on the application pending a decision on the EPA assessment being issued. The Shire has since been directed to process the application by the Presiding Member of the Mid-West/Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel.

The application is now being advertised for public comment ending 4.00pm on the 11 May 2020. MORE INFO

AUSTRALIA POST - REDUCED LICENSING SERVICES

With the Shire Office closed for public access, the Licensing service is not available. From 21 April York Post Office will increase its ability to process licensing renewals and registrations. The Post Office is not able to handle any plate related or photograph transactions.  Dept of Transport should be contacted on 13 11 56 for any issues that the Post Office is unable to help with.

STAY INFORMED

We are committed to ensuring we keep the community informed as our services are adapted to the new way of being.  We will provide regular updates via our website, Facebook page, local radio and local newspaper. We have also created a dedicated web page to centralise essential community information related to COVID-19. MORE INFO

Thank you for all that you are doing to help slow the spread and keep the community safe.

CHRIS LINNELL, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

For further queries, please contact: Chris Linnell, CEO. Email: [email protected]  Tel: 9641 2233

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