Public notice - 14 July 2020

The Victorian Government has extended the State of Emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic until 11.59pm on Sunday 19 July 2020. Restrictions have been tightened in some areas of Melbourne. It is important we don't become complacent. Please continue to follow the public health advice, maintain hand hygiene and physical distancing, and check in on your family, friends and neighbours. Stay home if you are unwell and get tested if you are experiencing any symptoms of coronavirus. Make an appointment with your local GP or head to a nearby testing centre in Bendigo, Kyneton or Maryborough. For more information call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

If you have a question or need information, support or a referral in relation to COVID-19, call our dedicated COVID-19 support number on 1800 512 446 between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, email covid19@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or visit our online virtual emergency relief centre at www.connectmountalexander.com.au.

We have reopened the customer service desk at the Civic Centre following a recent closure. Precautions are in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Play spaces are open and we are working with community and sporting groups to safely reopen community halls and sports facilities. Find more service updates at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

It is understandable for people to have feelings of concern at this time. Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can cause strong emotions in adults or children. Financial pressures may also contribute to stress. If you, or someone you know, are feeling anxious or worried support is available. Call CHIRP Community Health on 5479 1000 during business hours or visit www.chirp.org.au. For crisis support and suicide prevention services contact Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au; QLife 1800 184 527 www.qlife.org.au or Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au.

Council’s Community Grants program will soon open. Applications are invited for community programs and projects, including operational costs to restart or adapt initiatives impacted by COVID-19. The program offers small grants up to $3,000 and partnership grants up to $10,000. Applications open on Monday 20 July and close at 4.00pm, Monday 10 August. Find out more at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Grants or call the Community Partnerships Team on 5471 1700.

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation has granted Council a permit to prune decaying timber from the upper section of the Harcourt scar tree located on Harmony Way. Pruning will maintain the current form and extend tree longevity. The pruning will take one day and will be undertaken in July at a date to be determined. A Dja Dja Wurrung Clan representative will be onsite during the works.

Works will soon start on a fully fenced off-leash dog park at Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve in Castlemaine. The dog park will be located at the northern corner of the reserve, next to the lower carpark off McGrath Street. The dog park will provide residents with an enclosed area to exercise and socialise their dogs. It will include a drinking fountain, gated entry points, seating, a doggie bag dispenser and bin. The park is expected to open in September.

There have recently been a number of incidents involving what appears to be motor vehicles intentionally ramming wheelie bins placed out for collection on the kerbside. If you have any knowledge of who may responsible we urge you to report it to the Castlemaine Police on 5470 4100 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. People whose bins have been damaged can order a replacement free of charge by making a service request on our website or calling our Customer Service Team on 5471 1700.

Council is currently seeking community feedback on a number of matters. We invite you to have a say on:
• Proposed Budget 2020/2021. Closes at 5.00pm on Wednesday 15 July.
• Local law review. Closes at 5.00pm on Friday 31 July.
• Control of cats and dogs survey. Closes at 5.00pm on Friday 17 July.
• Household emissions, water and energy survey. Closes in December.
For more information visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay. To discuss any of these matters contact our Customer Service Team on 5471 1700 and ask to speak with the project lead.

The next Council meeting is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 21 July. It will be broadcast live via YouTube. To raise a question at the Council meeting write to the Governance Team, Mount Alexander Shire Council, PO Box 185, Castlemaine 3450 VIC, or send an email to governance@mountalexander.vic.gov.au. Messages must be received by 12 noon on the day of the meeting.

The Council Column is published in The Midland Express each Tuesday.

Public notice - 14 July 2020.


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