Council's response to coronavirus (Covid-19)

We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone and we are doing what we can to help reduce the impact of the pandemic within our community. We are implementing our emergency management plans to ensure we continue the delivery of essential services at this time, while placing priority of the health of our community, staff and volunteers.

Some Council facilities were closed to the public and we had to make some changes to how we deliver services to help limit the spread of Covid-19. Visit our service updates page to stay up-to-date with the latest changes to Council services.

Council allocated funding for relief measures and works in the 2020/2021 Budget. There’s investment in tourism marketing, mental health training for the community, the waiver of registrations and permits for some businesses, and an online platform for the creative industries. We've also adopted a Covid-19 Financial Hardship Policy to guide financial relief for those who need it, following initial relief measures announced in March which included:

• An extension on the due date for the fourth rates instalment, to 30 June 2020
• A temporary hold on following up unpaid animal registrations
• Payment to suppliers in weekly payment schedules.
• A temporary reduction of commercial rents in Council-owned buildings until 30 June 2020, for businesses significantly impacted by Covid-19.

As restrictions ease, it’s important that we act to keep ourselves and others safe. These actions below can help protect you from Covid-19.

• Stay safe by washing your hands regularly, always carrying face mask with you, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5mtrs from others.
• Face masks must be worn outside the home, on public transport, when in taxis or rideshare vehicles, unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home. It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask when you can’t maintain 1.5mtrs distance from other people in all other situations.
• Venues and facilities have specific requirements such as operating with a CovidSafe Plan, density limits (maximum numbers of people allowed in a space), cleaning and record keeping – please respect these.
• If you feel unwell, get tested and stay home.
• If you feel you, or someone you know, is not coping, it’s important to seek help. Information and support is available either by calling Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visiting the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website.

Stay up to date with the latest information at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.