Colac Otway Shire Council successfully redeploys stood-down staff

Published on 01 May 2020

Colac Otway Shire Council has found alternative temporary roles for a majority of staff who had roles at Bluewater, COPACC and the Visitor Information Centres before COVID19 restrictions were enforced.

Management advised employees last week that due to the closure of some Council facilities, the organisation would be forced to stand down staff from April 27.

The opportunity to be re-deployed was offered to staff, with some choosing not to be redeployed and accepting special leave arrangements.

Colac Otway Shire Council Chief Executive Peter Brown said Council was pleased to be able to re-deploy all staff who were interested in taking up other roles.

“We’re really pleased that we have been able to re-deploy all staff who sought that option.

“At this stage, the redeployment period will be from Monday April 27 to Friday 8 May. We will review again in the first week of May for a further period,” Mr Brown said.

“While we have had to close Bluewater, COPACC and the Visitor Information Centres, other functions of Council have an increased workload as a result of adjusting to measures in place due to COVID-19.

“Obviously our Community Services team is one part of Council where the COVID situation has caused an increase to the usual workload.

“Redeployment of staff has been mostly funded by existing budget without requirement for diversion of funding.

“In total, 18 people who put up their hand to keep working in some role or another within Council have been successfully redeployed.

“I thank all the staff for their willingness to be flexible in taking up these roles which are different to their normal positions and acknowledge the importance of Council continuing to provide a high level of service.”