30/3/20 Update of COVID-19’s impact on the Gunnedah Shire

March 30, 2020

Gunnedah Shire residents have been urged to follow increased Australian Government measures to halt the spread of Coronavirus.

As uncertain times continue, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said now was the time people could help make a difference to the trajectory of the virus.

“The message is clear – if you can stay home, stay home,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is a really tough time for our people and our businesses. I know residents want to support our local retailers and service providers – they are the people next door or even our own families – but the shape of that support will have to now take a different form.

“The Australian Government has set strict limits on the number of people in gatherings – only two unless there are special circumstances. Travel should be restricted to essential tasks, and those who are over 70, over 60 if they have existing health conditions, or over 50 for Indigenous people with health conditions should be self-isolating where possible.

“It would be easy for us to feel that the risk is not among us, but, however lucky we seem to have been to date, that could change at any time.

“I urge you to stay at home if you can to look after yourselves and the rest of our community. On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council, I would also like to thank those who have no option but to still be at work – emergency service workers, health care staff, supermarket and pharmacy staff – there are many people who have to head off every day to work.

“We have taken unprecedented steps at Council to enable a large percentage of our staff to work from home while we continue to provide the services Gunnedah Shire needs.

“Our priority is always the health and safety of our Shire residents and our staff, as well as the provision of services.”

Gunnedah Shire Council remains in the orange stage of its yellow-orange-red Coronavirus Response Strategy, finding ways to continue business while following all Coronavirus precautionary measures.

All face-to-face services have ceased, but Council’s Customer Service staff, along with all staff, are still at the end of the phone, or online, to help with enquiries.

Further information:

Police are the responsible body for the enforcement of public health orders. If community members have concerns about breaches to COVID-19 health orders, they are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
• Anyone seeking the latest information on COVID-19 should visit or call:
o NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
o Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
o Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
• The Australian Government’s ‘Coronavirus Australia’ app is now available for download, providing health updates and a virtual symptom checker.
• Australians can also access updates via whatsapp by downloading the WhatsApp application, then visiting www.aus.gov.au/whatsapp
• The Gunnedah Community Roundtable has created a Facebook page to help connect the community to information regarding service closures, community groups and other helpful resources. You can follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Gunnedahcommunityroundtablemeeting/
• Following the closure of the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building in Elgin Street to face to face visitors, the customer service team remains available for enquiries through phone: (02) 6740 2100, email: council@infogunnedah.com.au or by visiting www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

27 March, 2020

As we approach the end of the second major week of the Coronavirus pandemic in Australia, Gunnedah Shire Council wishes to thank the majority of the community for their flexibility and understanding during this unprecedented situation.

Many Gunnedah Shire services and facilities have closed their doors to in-person contact. Despite these new challenges it is heartening to see Gunnedah Shire residents quickly adapting to this new way of life. The community has discovered new ways to support each other and stay connected despite requirements for physical distancing and self-isolation.

Gunnedah Shire Council remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the health and safety of the community. The clear, continuing recommendation from health and government authorities is that people must remain home wherever possible.

Anyone seeking the latest information on COVID-19 should visit or call:

NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
Send ‘hi’ to +41 79 781 87 91 on whatsapp to connect with updates from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Today

The upcoming local government elections in September have been postponed. The NSW Government recently announced these will now occur in September 2021. The current Gunnedah Shire Councillors will continue to hold their civic offices until this time.
The Gunnedah Showground remains open with pedestrian access for use that complies with state and federal government guidelines.
Camping in NSW National parks is not permitted from today, 27th March.
The Gunnedah Community Roundtable has created a Facebook page to help connect the community to information regarding service closures, community groups and other helpful resources. You can follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Gunnedahcommunityroundtablemeeting/

Changes to Council Services

Following the closure of the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building in Elgin Street to face to face visitors, the customer service team remains available for enquiries through phone: (02) 6740 2100, email: council@infogunnedah.com.au or by visiting www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Payment Options

For payment of accounts, please refer to alternate payment methods on your rates and charges notice or water usage account. Other payments include mailing a cheque, direct debit, or online or telephone payments using BPay or BPoint.

A reminder that if you are experiencing financial difficulty during this time, Council has moved to freeze interest accrual against rates, fees and charges that are currently outstanding or may become outstanding and will cease the escalation of any accounts to formal debt recovery.

Appointments

Planning and rates appointments are being conducted over the phone or through email, please contact Council to arrange this.

Documents

If you have a physical document to submit to Council, a drop box has been established outside the Elgin Street premises to aid this process.

ENDS
Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

26 March, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council’s response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be guided by the latest advice from Commonwealth and State authorities.

According to NSW Health there are several cases in the New England North West area, including 7 confirmed cases in the Tamworth Regional Council area and additional cases in the Narrabri Shire and Liverpool Plains Shire. In light of this it is critical to observe all health and government advice to secure the health and safety of the community.

We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and others safe. The federal and state government have made it clear that people should stay at home wherever possible, except to access essential products and services.

Anyone seeking the latest information on COVID-19 is encouraged to visit or call:

NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080

Today

All of Council's face to face services remain closed until further notice, with the exception of the waste facilities and sale yards which are operating with strict hygiene practices and physical distancing measures.
The NSW Government has advised of the cessation of camping in all NSW national parks from tomorrow, 27th of March.
Local Land Services, the frontline agency in NSW helping farmers and communities, have established new systems to limit in-person contact and are conducting appointments online and over the phone. Local Land Services will continue to provide essential on-ground services, such as biosecurity and emergency management where safe and practical.

For a full list of changes to Gunnedah Shire Council services, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Business Update

Yesterday the NSW Government enacted an extended operation order relating to retail trading and operating hours. The order allows for retail premises such as supermarkets, pharmacies and corner stores to operate 24 hours per day, providing retailers flexibility to ensure the community has access to essential supplies.

The Covid-19 pandemic is already having an adverse impact on many local businesses and it is now more important than ever to shop local. Council’s Economic Development team has issued the following tips for Gunnedah residents to help support our business community during this difficult time.

How to support your local businesses:

Take advantage of food delivery and takeaway services

Take a night off from cooking to support local cafes and restaurants through the coming months.
Call ahead to arrange a contact-free pickup, or if you’re working from home, find out if delivery is an option.

Go online

Many Gunnedah businesses are taking their goods or services online so check to see if this is something your regular shop is now doing.
Stay engaged and active with your local community by participating in online yoga workouts, gym classes, art workshops or singing tutorials that Gunnedah businesses are offering.

Social media support

Help local Gunnedah businesses grow their social media presence by writing a positive review, inviting friends and family to like the business page and sharing their posts about updated trading.

Avoid refunds and postpone instead of cancelling

While you may have the right to ask for a full refund if an event or workshop is cancelled, one way to support a local business is to see what other options they can offer, such as keeping your ticket for a rescheduled date or donating the price of the ticket to the business.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

25 March, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is urging residents to continue taking all possible precautions against Coronavirus.

“A calm, considered approach is the key to staying safe and healthy at this time,” Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said.

“Observe social distancing, take hygiene precautions and always keep others in mind if you are out and about. This is something we need to deal with as a community who look out for each other.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has moved into the orange stage of its yellow-orange-red Coronavirus Response Strategy and has made changes to services in line with the moves now mandated by the Federal Government.

“We know our community is already starting to do it tough. Please support your local businesses within the requirements of social distancing and look out for your neighbours.”

There are confirmed cases of Coronavirus at Tamworth, and residents are urged to restrict their contact with people outside the household and limit their movements to essential travel.

Today:

Public toilets at Brocks Court, Mullaley Road, Redbank Road and O’Keefe Pavilion remain open with an increased cleaning regimen. Village toilets are under review.

Playgrounds will be closed as it is difficult to guarantee continuous cleaning of playgrounds and to prevent people congregating in them. Parks and sporting fields remain open for people to exercise while adhering to social distancing requirements. Please note, outside training sessions have now been limited to 10 by the Federal Government.

GoCo is continuing to look after the elderly in our community. While the office doors are not open, services continue with GoCo still working to support clients and continuing to provide essential services to Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Program clients, as well as essential transport services.

Waste Management Facility opening times have not changed. Council asks that people pay by eftpos, preferably tap and go, at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility. Other rural waste facilities will continue to accept cash payments where card facilities are not available.

Please ensure you are only using the facility for essential reasons – general waste is a priority. Social distancing will also be enforced.

For a full list of changes to Gunnedah Shire Council services, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Gunnedah Shire Council is continuing to monitor and act on the situation daily, with the health and safety of Gunnedah Shire residents and council staff and customers as our first priority.

To help out our community, Gunnedah Shire Councillors has endorsed a move to freeze interest accrual against rates, fees and charges that are currently outstanding or may become outstanding.

Council has also agreed to cease the escalation of any outstanding accounts to formal debt recovery processes.

For more information about Coronavirus, visit or call:
• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
• Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
• Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080

March 24, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council continues to move into the orange stage of its yellow-orange-red Coronavirus Response Strategy while looking for ways to ease the stress on those already feeling the financial strain.

At an extraordinary meeting today, Gunnedah Shire Councillors endorsed a move to freeze interest accrual against rates, fees and charges that are currently outstanding or may become outstanding from today.

Council also agreed to cease the escalation of any outstanding accounts to formal debt recovery processes.
This will remain in place during the COVID-19 emergency response.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the move was an example of Council working to find solutions for local people.
“We are supporting and trying to maintain calm in the community as we deal with this unprecedented situation,” Cr Chaffey said.
“We will continue to monitor ways we can work with our community in this difficult time until we come out the other side and can resume the business of everyday life and building our future.”

Today:

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Elgin Street administration building is closed to the public from today, but people are encouraged to do Council business in other ways – you can still fill in forms, find information, make enquiries and pay bills via Bpay or Bpoint online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or on 02 6740 2100.

GoCo has also made changes, and its offices in Gunnedah, Tamworth, Kootingal, Nundle, Barraba and Narrabri are not open to the public. Its services will continue with GoCo still working to support clients and continuing to provide essential services to Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Program clients, as well as essential transport services.

The Gunnedah Library will also provide non-contact services, but its doors will be closed to the public.
Cattle sales continue at this time. The Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association Ltd (ALPA) has announced that in line with health guidelines about the COVID-19 pandemic, only agents and buyers should attend cattle sales.

Please ensure you are only using the facility for essential reasons – general waste is a priority. Social distancing will also be enforced.

Tomorrow:

Public toilets at Brocks Court, Mullaley Road, Redbank Road and O’Keefe Pavilion will remain open with an increased cleaning regimen. Village toilets are under review.

Gunnedah Shire Council is continuing to monitor and act on the situation daily, with the health and safety of Gunnedah Shire residents and council staff and customers as our first priority.

Council urges people to ensure they are limiting the spread of the Coronavirus by following all government and health guidelines, including social distancing and hygiene practises.

Afternoon Update 23 March, 2020

Further changes will come into effect for Gunnedah Shire Council services tomorrow as precautions increase against the Coronavirus pandemic. Following the Federal Government’s announcement of stricter measures, Council is encouraging people to use non-contact communication such as email, the internet and telephoning to carry out their council business.

Tomorrow:

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Elgin Street administration building will be closed to the public, but people can still fill in forms, find information, make enquiries and pay bills via Bpay or Bpoint online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or on 02 6740 2100. If you are unable to pay online, please just give us a call and we can talk you through the process or outline some other options to you.

GoCo has also made changes, and its offices in Gunnedah, Tamworth, Kootingal, Nundle, Barraba and Narrabri will not be open to the public. Its services will continue with GoCo still working to support clients and continuing to provide essential services to Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Program clients, as well as essential transport services. More information is available at http://gococare.com.au/ or 02 6740 2240

The Gunnedah Library will also continue to provide a range of non-contact services from tomorrow, but its doors will be closed to the public – more details are to come on the range of services available.

Wednesday:

Gunnedah Shire Council is looking to make changes at the Shire’s parks and gardens, including playgrounds, sporting fields and public toilets on Wednesday.

More information will be available tomorrow.

Gunnedah Shire Council is continuing to monitor and act on the situation daily, with the health and safety of Gunnedah Shire residents and council staff and customers as our first priority.

Council’s three-stage approach as included in the Coronavirus Response Strategy is outlined below. Gunnedah Shire will continue to transition to the orange stage over the next two days.

For more information about Coronavirus, visit or call:

NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080 Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

23 March, 2020

Following the Federal Government’s latest announcements increasing measures to fight the spread of Coronavirus, Gunnedah Shire Council will move to the orange stage of its Coronavirus Response Strategy over the next 48 hours.

Pubs, clubs, gyms, indoor sporting venues, cinemas, entertainment venues, nightclubs, places of worship and funerals across Australia are all being restricted from midday today, with restaurants and cafes to be restricted to takeaway and home delivery.

Today:

Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said in practical terms, this meant the Gunnedah Memorial Pool would close at midday today, along with the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct, including the Bicentennial Art Gallery and the Visitor Information Centre.

The Visitor Information Centre will remain available via phone on 02 6740 2230.

The Civic Cinema is also closed.

At present, tuition is continuing at Gunnedah Conservatorium. Updates are being posted to the Conservatorium’s Facebook page and options for online tuition are being investigated.

Tomorrow:

Also on the agenda tomorrow is service changes to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Elgin Street administration centre, Gunnedah Library and GoCo.

Mr Groth emphasised that services for:

General Council payments and enquiries will still be available online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and on 02 6740 2100
The Gunnedah Shire Library will have service changes from tomorrow, with more information to come later today
GoCo’s essential services for older people will continue, with information online at http://gococare.com.au/ or 02 6740 2240.

The Federal Government has announced Australians should expect its new increased measures to be in place for at least six months. Schools remain open until further notice.

Gunnedah Shire Council is continuing to monitor and act on the situation daily, with the health and safety of Gunnedah Shire residents and council staff and customers as our first priority.

Gunnedah Shire will be moving to the orange stage over the next 48 hours.

For more information about Coronavirus, visit or call:

NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080

March 20, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Continuity Management Team continues to keep a close eye on Coronavirus pandemic developments.

Through its Coronavirus Response Strategy, Council is constantly reviewing the latest information from health and government authorities to ensure we are across any new developments.

Our priorities are the health and welfare of Gunnedah Shire residents and the continuation of Gunnedah’s essential services provided by Council.

We strongly urge people to contact council by phone (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au before coming to the Council offices in person. Many enquiries can be resolved over the phone and payments can also be made by phone and online using BPAY and BPoint.
This will help us all in our efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Please remember to keep supporting your local businesses when you can.

Keeping up with the news:

Gunnedah Shire Council will continue to provide you with information relating to our essential services, our community, changes to service delivery, cancellations for Council-run events and any other pressing information.

Keep an eye out for news on Council’s Facebook page and website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

For more information about Coronavirus and your health, you will need to visit or call:

NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080

Further changes to services:

All council services are operating with increased hygiene measures in line with recommendations from NSW Health.

Further service changes under consideration with updates to be provided soon:

Visitor Information Centre
Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool
Gunnedah Shire Library
The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre

March 19, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has taken a proactive approach to the current pandemic, and has set up a Coronavirus Response Strategy to provide direction for navigating the unprecedented situation.

Council has also formed a specialised Continuity Management Team to monitor the changing situation and meet the challenges presented by the Coronavirus as best we can.

The team is reviewing advice daily from NSW Health and the Australian Government Department of Health to ensure Council is prepared and aims to continue to meet the need for essential services to the community throughout the pandemic.

This will help us all in our efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Keeping up with the news:

Keep an eye out for news on Council’s Facebook page and website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

For more information about Coronavirus and your health, you will need to visit or call:

NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
Further cancellations and closures:
Cancellation of Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow at Gunnedah Town Hall 15th June.
Gunida Gunyah has made the decision to close the Pool Kiosk.
Weeks of Speed: Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts Weeks of Speed Hillclimb 28th -29th March has been postponed to early September.

Further closures under consideration with updates provided tomorrow

Changes to the following services are currently under consideration:

Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre
Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool

March 18, 2020

Following our initial update yesterday, Gunnedah Shire Council is continuing to review health advice regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and has put in place changes to meet guidelines for public safety. Gunnedah Shire Council general manager Eric Groth said Council was continuing to monitor the NSW Health site www.health.nsw.gov.au and liaising with other government agencies to ensure a best practice response.

Gunnedah Shire residents are encouraged to make Council payments online and use phone or email for any Council Enquiries. Where possible, please phone Council (02) 6740 2100 prior to presenting to the office in person.

These interim measures are in line with state and federal government advisories restricting non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people, outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people and social distancing of 1.5m between people at all times.

Changes to Council Services:

Council Facilities:

Any sporting groups, service clubs and other community organisations that need to cancel or postpone events at a Council facility due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation are asked to update Council about these changes. This will ensure an up to date record of facility use is maintained.

Justice of the Peace services at the Gunnedah Shire Library have been ceased.

Services at the Gunnedah Saleyard will continue following advice from industry body the Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association (ALPA). The ALPA have emphasised the critical role of livestock auctions in the supply chain, and listed recommendations to minimise risk which Council will implement. In particular:

It is strongly recommended non-essential participants, the general public and people who may be more susceptible to COVID-19 due to factors such as age and respiratory conditions do not attend livestock auctions.
Anyone who does attend should maintain social distancing, refrain from shaking hands and ensure they maintain hygienic practices.
These measures will be reviewed pending further advice from the ALPA or direction from the relevant Government body.

Community members are reminded not to visit any council facilities if:

They are showing any signs of a cold or other illness, even if not COVID-19 related
They are currently self-isolating due to illness, overseas travel or close contact with someone with Covid-19 or who is being quarantined.

Additional Event Cancellations:

Council has also been advised by the relevant community organisations of changes to the following events:

Cancellation of Rotary West Debutante Ball
Cancellation of the Catholic Debutante Ball
The RSL has cancelled all upcoming ANZAC Day Ceremonies
Cancellation of the 2020 Gunnedah Show
Cancellation of Weeks of Speed events on Saturday 21st of March, including the Street Parade, Show ‘N’ Shine and activities at Gunnedah Speedway.
Cancellation of Country Music Muster 24th to 28th March
Gunida Gunyah has made the decision to close the Pool Kiosk. This will take effect from today.

For other community events held by other groups in the community, please continue to refer to the organisers.

For further information about COVID-19, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au

March 17, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is continuing to review health advice regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and has put in place changes to meet guidelines for public safety. Gunnedah Shire Council general manager Eric Groth said Council was monitoring the NSW Health site www.health.nsw.gov.au and liaising with other government agencies to ensure a best practice response.

These interim measures are in line with state and federal government advisories about gatherings of more than 500 people and social distancing of 1.5m between people at all times.

Changes to Council Services:

Access to Council Premises and Facilities

Council is currently considering reduced customer service hours, including specified times for vulnerable groups. We will continue to monitor the situation with a view to this being introduced in the coming week. The community is encouraged to avoid face to face contact where possible.

Alcohol-based hand sanitiser has been placed at Council facilities and visitors are encouraged to regularly wash their hands and maintain social distancing.

Payment of invoices and customer service enquiries:

Customers are asked to make every effort to pay invoices via phone and internet banking using the BPay or BPoint details specified on their invoice. For other enquiries, it is advisable to phone Gunnedah Shire Council in the first instance as it is likely queries can be resolved without visiting the office in person.

Meetings with Council Staff:

For planning and rates enquiries, please phone ahead to schedule an appointment. Where possible, meetings will be conducted over the phone to limit in-person contact.

Council Meetings:

The ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, 18th March at Curlewis will proceed, however members of the public are strongly encouraged to observe social distancing should they attend. There are no planned community presentations for this meeting.

A decision regarding future council meetings will be determined based on advice from NSW Health.

Changes to date include:

Gunnedah Library – cancellation of regular programs, alternatives are housebound delivery for Gunnedah residents if they cannot come into the library and e-resources are available. Home drop-offs will be left at the door and staff will not be entering homes. For more information, ring 6740 2190.
Cancellation of New Residents Event at the Autumn Markets on March 21. Organisers have advised the markets are also cancelled.
Cancellation of Youth Week events including the Youth Expo on April 2
Cancellation of Harmony Week activities
Cancellation of school holiday program for the Easter school holidays
Cancellation of interschool debating
Cancellation of Youth Leaders Forum
Cancellation of GoCo social groups
Cancellation of The Sapphires theatre performance
Cancellation of Divine Voyeurism opening on Friday 20th March. The exhibition will still be on display and open to the public
Cancellation of screenings at The Civic Cinema from Saturday 21st of March.

Council is continuing to review other events and activities, and will keep residents updated as changes are made. Facebook and Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au are a great way to keep informed.

For other community events held by other groups in the community, please refer to the organisers.

Gunnedah Shire Council asks people to take precautions with their health and the health of their loved ones by following these guidelines from the www.health.nsw.gov.au website:

clean your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
cover your sneeze or cough with your elbow or with tissue.
avoid close contact with people who are ill
avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
stay home if you are sick.

To find out more, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.