-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
28 APRIL 2020:
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE – COVID-19 UPDATE 28 APRIL 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a number of changes to how Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is conducting normal everyday business. With reduced face to face contact at the Customer Service Centres, residents can make payments for rates other Council fees via BPay (reference numbers are included on all notices), Telephone 1300 276 468 (credit card only), Online www.bpoint.com.au (credit card only), or by post PO Box 420 Cootamundra 2590 (with cheque or money order).
Council is constantly managing and updating information and services available for residents seeking information through Council’s website: www.cgrc.nsw.gov.au and through Council’s Facebook page.
Library facilities are available, via the Home Delivery services. Cootamundra Library have increased their delivery service to include Wallendbeen and Stockinbingal. Up to 30 items can be borrowed at each transaction. Books, magazines, DVD’s and CD’s are available. Residents can also download the free apps to take the library with you, wherever you are. For more information on these free apps, visit the Riverina Regional Library website https://rrl.nsw.gov.au/library-apps/. Most products including BorrowBox require your member number followed by a Password/PIN. These apps include ULibrary, BorrowBox which allow users to borrow, browse, read and listen to eAudiobooks and eBooks. Rb digital allows reader to access digital magazine collections and Kanopy is a streaming service for films and documentaries.
Development applications (DA) can now be submitted online – anywhere, anytime, with the online DA lodgement service. The applications can be submitted online through the NSW Government Planning Portal https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/onlineDA. The portal does have a ‘Your guide to the Development Application process’ information pack to guide applicants through the process. Council staff are also able to assist with questions over the phone or via email.
Council has been redeploying staff to assist with increased cleaning regimes across the regions public facilities and facility maintenance.
We can all help to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Australia. If you believe you may have contracted the COVID-19 virus (returned travellers/had contact with a confirmed case/showing symptoms: fever, sore throat, dry cough and shortness of breath) you should:
– call HealthDirect 1800 022 222 or
– call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline 1800 831 099 or
– contact/phone your GP, advise them in advance if you have symptoms
– If you are sick – stay away from others.
We can all assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by practicing good hygiene, washing hands frequently with soap and water, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and avoiding contact with others if you are unwell.
Social distancing is an effective measure to lower the risk of contracting COVID-19, keeping a 1.5/2 metre distance from people when out and about. Avoiding crowds and mass gatherings, and small gatherings in enclosed spaces. Avoid shaking hands, hugging and kissing other people.
The COVIDSafe app is part of the Federal Governments work to slow the spread of COVID-19. Having confidence that they can find and contain outbreaks quickly will mean governments can ease restrictions while still keeping Australians safe.
The new COVIDSafe app is completely voluntary. Downloading the app is something you can do to protect you, your family and friends and save the lives of other Australians. The more Australians connect to the COVIDSafe app, the quicker health authorities can find the virus.
CGRC mayor Cr Abb McAlister urged all residents to download the app if possible.
“This app is voluntary, but I do appeal to residents to download it, as it is a measure to assist with tracking the virus spread, another tool in the arsenal so to speak,” Cr McAlister said.
Residents are encouraged to keep up to date by checking the CGRC website regularly. www.cgrc.nsw.gov.au or www.health.nsw.gov.au
Picture and caption:
The COVIDSafe app can be downloaded to Smartphones, CGRC Mayor Cr Abb McAlister has urged all residents to download the App, to assist Health Authorities trace people who may have come in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
