Council service changes due to COVID-19 lockdown

Council service changes due to COVID-19 lockdown

Published on 12 February 2021

Gannawarra Shire Council is continuing to protect the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, with changes to its services to be implemented from Saturday, 13 February.

With the State Government introducing Stage 4 restrictions to stop the growing number of cases Council continues to play a key role in preventing the risks for residents.

“Council understands that although the State Government’s announcement earlier today will impact residents at this time, Council supports any measures that are aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

Changes to Council’s services during the five-day lockdown between Saturday, 13 February and 11.59pm Wednesday, 17 February include:

The closure of the Cohuna and Kerang outdoor swimming pools from Saturday, 13 February and the Kerang Exercise Pool from Monday, 15 February, with Warra Waders swimming lessons cancelled; The closure of face-to-face transactions at Council’s Customer Service Centres at Cohuna and Kerang with residents encouraged to contact Council in the following ways: By phoning the Customer Service Centre on (03) 5450 9333 during business hours; By e-mailing [email protected] at any time; By visiting www.gsc.vic.gov.au and chatting live with a staff member during business hours; By lodging a request form at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/request at any time; and By writing to PO Box 287, Kerang VIC 3579; The closure of Gannawarra Library Service branches at Cohuna, Kerang, Leitchville and Quambatook, with members able to access online resources at this time at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/libraries; The postponement of the L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program; The cancellation of any facility bookings during this time; The closure of the Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre; and The cancellation of the 3 Steps to Profitable Revenue Growth workshop, scheduled to occur at Kerang on Wednesday, 17 February; and The cancellation of immunisation sessions scheduled for Cohuna and Kerang on Wednesday, 17 February.

“With Monday, 15 February being the due date for people paying their rates in full, Council will implement a seven-day grace period through to 5pm Monday, 22 February to assist the public during these difficult times,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“If you had a pre-arranged booking for a facility, service or meeting with Council during this time, you will contacted directly to confirm alternative arrangement.” 

Many of Council’s services will continue to operate during the lockdown period, including:

All Council-managed kindergarten, family day care and long day care services; Meals on Wheels deliveries, which will be undertaken by staff; Community Care services; Playgrounds, adult exercise equipment and skate parks, which remain open; and; Council’s outdoor operations, which include scheduled road maintenance, transfer stations, and parks and garden maintenance.

“Please note that during this time residents may only leave their home for one of four reasons. These are to shop for food and essential goods or services; to provide care, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment; to exercise or for outdoor recreation with your household, or one other person; or for work or study, if you can’t do it from home,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“It is important that by staying at home and limiting contact with other people, we can help protect ourselves, our families and our communities at this time.”

For more information regarding Coronavirus and Council’s efforts, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Residents who are concerned regarding Coronavirus are encouraged to phone the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus