Moree Plains Shire Council is hoping to keep its essential services operating, with its latest update revealing its business as usual for most of its operations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Council's Moree customer service centre, the shire libraries, Gwydir Daycare and Preschool, waste collection and water and sewer operations currently remain open, with an increased focus on cleaning and sanitation across all facilities.
"The health and safety of our residents, customers and employees is our top priority and we are continuing to monitor daily developments," a council spokesperson said.
READ ALSO:
"We are planning and taking measures to keep essential services operating.
"Currently, there is no disruption to core council services to the community.
"A number of other measures have been announced by the federal and state governments to ensure mandatory social distancing.
"At council, we have made changes to our service delivery to give effect to this advice which has resulted in some services being discontinued (events, programs and the closure of shire pools), some services being delivered in a modified way (social distancing queuing changes in our customer service centre) but many services being unaffected."
With new social gathering measures announced by the federal and state governments, council has been forced to close Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, as well as the other shire pools in Mungindi and Boomi.
"There are significant challenges for the aquatic operations to implement the social distancing requirements," the spokesperson said.
"As such, we have taken the decision to close both the Mungindi and Boomi pools until further notice.
"For Mungindi pool, all upfront memberships will receive time extensions for the period of our closure.
"For Boomi pool, all upfront memberships will receive time extensions for the period of our closure."
Council's child restraint hire program has also been suspended until further notice. Current bookings will be extended free of charge and no future bookings will be taken.
And while council's customer service centre remains open, community members are asked to observe the hygiene and social distancing recommendations of the federal government.
Community members are encouraged to call the customer service centre on (02) 6757 3222 so that council staff can attempt to address enquiries over the phone rather than meeting in person.
Meanwhile, council's general manager Lester Rodgers participated in a briefing for NSW councils from the State Emergency Operations Centre late on Monday.
About 200 people including mayors and general managers from across the state received the briefing from NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard and NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant on the latest COVID-19 developments.
Councils also submitted questions which were answered during the briefing. These included a range of topics including the impact of COVID-19 on metropolitan areas compared to rural and regional areas, closure of community facilities, cleaning and sanitation, virus testing and data, and impact on council meetings.
Dr Chant re-emphasised the importance of practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene and keeping your distance from others. These measures should be observed by the community at all times.
The community is encouraged to:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. You handwashing practise should take at least 20 seconds
- Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and wash your hands
- Stay home if you are unwell
- Exercise personal responsibility for social distancing measures - keep a distance of at least 1.5m between you and other people.
Council urges residents and visitors to adhere to the federal government's COVID-19 health advice, which is the leading source of accurate health advice and alerts in Australia.
For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, go to: