Council services update - return to stage 3 restrictions

Wodonga Council’s Hovell St offices and Wodonga Library will be closed to the public in line with the stage three restrictions being introduced by the Victorian Government from 11.59pm on Wednesday, August 6.

Under stage 3 stay at home restrictions, there are only four reasons that you can leave home.

Under stage 3, residents may no longer have visitors to their home or visit other people in their homes.

Other council venues including The Cube Wodonga and our community centres at Baranduda, Felltimber and Belgrade Ave remain closed and the Bonegilla Migrant Experience has also closed in line with the restrictions.

The city’s playgrounds and the Belvoir Park dog park will also be closed in line with the government restrictions. The larger playgrounds will be signposted accordingly.

However, The Cube Wodonga is hosting a Services NSW pop-up until Friday, August 7 between 9.30 and 4pm each day to assist residents with border permits.

Events and venue programming remain suspended but many library offerings are available online and books can still be returned via the after hours chute. The community is encouraged to explore its digital collection of ebooks, films, magazines and eAudio for all ages. Details are available on the library website.

Council-run preschools and maternal and child health service continue to operate in line with government guidelines.

Bin collection services will continue as normal and the Waste Transfer Station will remain open but residents are advised they will need to wear a face covering unless an exception applies.

Planning, building, waste and recycling, animal management, and parking and traffic services will also continue to operate and our outdoor teams will continue to maintain our city’s parks, gardens and road network.

The council’s staff continue to work and will be available by appointment to deal with inquiries and payments as required. Residents should contact the council by phoning 02 6022 9300 or email [email protected].

Payments and inquiries can be made online via our website including animal registration, payment of rates, registration of swimming pools and much more.

The Albury-Wodonga Aquatics Facilities managed Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre will also close under the stage 3 restrictions.

Wodonga Mayor Cr Anna Speedie said the Wodonga community and wider region were doing a fantastic job in following government guidelines to limit and stop the spread of COVID-19 and it was important our community continued to support each other.

“We all need to play our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” Cr Speedie said.

“We encourage our community to continue following physical distancing principles and remember ‘kindness is catching’.

“We can help each other by ensuring we connect with friends and neighbours, check in on those that might need assistance and continue to support our local businesses as they adjust to these changes.”

Chief Executive Officer Mark Dixon said it was expected there would be reduced service levels in some areas linked to the challenges associated with maintaining safe working practices and appropriate physical distancing.

“The council supports the government’s measures designed to protect our community and limit the spread of COVID-19 but the council is open to community feedback and will remain agile in responding to community needs,” Mr Dixon said.

“The council, as a large employer in the community, is also ensuring staff are protected and measures are in place to allow for physical distancing and to limit the spread of the virus by encouraging remote working to limit travel and interaction.”

Information present restrictions are available on the Department of Health and Human Services website at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19.