Alterations to council services

Achange back to stage-three COVID-19 restrictions across regional Victoria has affected Northern Grampians Shire Council services.

Council leaders are directing people to the organisation’s website, www.ngshire.vic.gov. au/coronavirus, for detailed information but have confirmed customer service centres, Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre and all library services in Stawell and St Arnaud are closed.

All other services remain open via appointment or with additional safety measures in place.

A maternal and child health program will provide consultations predominantly by telephone, or other electronic means. Face-toface consultations will be unavailable unless an appointment has been made beforehand.

Positive ageing services, including home care and meals on wheels, will continue with additional safety measures and contact screening in place.

This service is taking new clients and people can call customer service on 5358 8700 or visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/council-services/positive-ageing for details.

Playgrounds, skate parks and barbecues in the shire have closed for six weeks during the State of Disaster period.

Public water fountains will be unavailable for people to drink from and council leaders are urging residents to take their own water and continue to use parks and gardens for exercise. Amenities will also remain open.

The shire has also reiterated that face coverings are compulsory for people when they are not at home during the State of Disaster and hefty fines apply to people who fail to comply. Masks are available from several outlets in the municipality, with information available on www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/coronavirus for a list of district suppliers. Businesses can join the list by emailing business@ngshire. vic.gov.au.

Northern Grampians mayor Murray Emerson expressed concern for fellow residents amid the return to harsher restrictions.

“It is quite sad that we find ourselves in this position again, returning to stage-three restrictions,” he said.

“However, we need to do everything we can to keep our shire safe and to think of the health of others. I ask all residents to abide by the new restrictions and to be mindful of the very heavy penalties that can be applied if they do not adhere to them.

“Be kind, be sensible, and follow the new rules because the sooner we stop the spread of coronavirus, the sooner we can go back to a more normal existence.”

Evolving situation

Cr Emerson said it was important for people to remember that situations were changing daily and the council aimed to keep residents informed of the changes as quickly as possible through various channels of communication.

He said if residents were concerned they might be showing signs of coronavirus or had close contact with someone who had tested positive, they could pre-book tests through Stawell Regional Health on 5358 8500 and East Grampians Health Service on 5477 2100.

People can call a Department of Health and Human Services coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 for any other information.