Mayoral Column 2nd April 2020
Published on 01 April 2020
COVID-19: Council Update
Coronavirus (COVIC-19) is the talk of the world at the moment, and is an unfolding situation. I’ll be providing some sort of update on the situation in this column each week until further notice. Following the stronger restrictions announced by the Federal and State Government earlier this week, Council has had to continue to adapt and ensure we are doing our bit in the fight against this virus.
As of 12 noon on Wednesday 1st April there are 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within Goulburn Mulwaree, following 286 tests. I can confirm that these ten cases within our region were acquired overseas, and these people are in isolation.
Council would like to reinforce the enforcement measures announced by the NSW Premier; all community members must stay at home, only leaving if it is absolutely essential. People in New South Wales can now face six months in jail and fines of up to $11,000 for breaching a new ministerial directive giving police sweeping powers to enforce regulations aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.
We have now had to close dog off-leash areas, however open spaces such as our parks, gardens and the Wollondilly River Walkway remain open. We remind people exercising with their dogs that they need to remain under effective control and on a leash at all times. Social distancing guidelines must always be maintained when using these open spaces, and the community is reminded that these rules must be respected or we may have to close these spaces to the community.
We continue to communicate with our community as the situation develops, and I recommend you monitor our Facebook page and our website for the most up to date information.
I also encourage businesses to take advantage of the ‘Jobkeeper Payments’ announced by the government on Monday – these will hopefully be of great assistance in ensuring you can keep your employees.
I cannot stress how important it is that we all do our bit to help stop the spread of COVID-19. I understand it is difficult to not see family and friends or undertake sport or shopping as you normally would, but when you make these small sacrifices I encourage you to think about your vulnerable grandparent, your cousin working in a hospital or your pregnant sister in law – and do the right thing.
Next week’s Council Meeting
While our world seems to be consumed by COVID-19 at the moment, we are still pushing ahead with Council business where we can, and will be holding a meeting next Tuesday night. For the foreseeable future these will be closed to the public, but we will continue to webcast them, and you can address Council on specific issues via appointment.
Councillors have been given the option of dialling or teleconferencing into the meeting, and we will be pushing forward as normal.
Next week we will examine the proposed 2020/21 Operational Plan, and will be looking to place this on public exhibition for a length period to allow community comments.
Council will also consider an update on COVID-19, a report on the proposed Highway and Rural Signage provisions in the Goulburn Mulwaree Development Control Plan, a development application for use of a structure as a dwelling at Middle Arm and a number of other issues including project reports for the Performing Arts Centre and Aquatic Centre construction projects.
The agenda for the meeting will be available to the public from 9am Friday morning.