Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council’s response to managing the risk of Coronavirus
CGRC encourages residents to utilise online methods.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is encouraging all residents to use the online options available for most Council based transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an effort to reduce the amount of face to face contact Council’s customer service team deal with on a daily basis. Council is constantly managing and updating information and services available for residents seeking information through Council’s website: www.cgrc.nsw.gov.au .
Payment of rates and other Council fees can be made 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). Should residents absolutely need to pay in person at the Council offices, please ensure social distancing (1.5metres) is practiced. If you are feeling unwell, please do not enter the building.
If you’re seeking council approval on a new build or renovation, you can now submit development applications (DA) online – anywhere, anytime, with the online DA lodgement service. These 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.
Residents are also able to access library facilities, via the Home Delivery (town boundaries) or Take Away services. 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.
Events cancellations include:
ANZAC Day services across the region
The Gundagai Cup – Ladies Day
Cootamundra Vintage car event
Postponed Events:
Gundagai Community Wellbeing Day
Bling it On Charity Ball
Seniors Week activities
Youth Week activities
Please visit http://www.visitgundagai.com.au/; and https://www.visitcootamundra.com.au/ for uptodate information on events.
EATERIES
Cafes and restaurants are encouraged to update their contact details with Council so Council’s Environmental Health Officer can provide updates. Council officers are contactable to answer any questions that people may have on 1300 456 689 or mail@cgrc.nsw.gov.au
COVID-19
The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared a Global Pandemic by the World Health Organisation and it continues to create massive disruption across the world.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) continues to take advice and guidance from the New South Wales Government (NSW Health) and the Federal Government (Department of Health) which are the lead agencies in this situation. Residents will be informed about any changes regarding the availability to Council services and facilities if and when the need arises, and as decisions are made in response to the evolving situation.
For accurate and consistent information on COVID 19 please refer to https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
We’ll keep you updated with any Council related matters on our website – www.cgrc.nsw.gov.au and through our media outlets.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
We can all help to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Australia, and residents are reminded of what they can do:
HYGIENE
Practice food, hand and sneeze/cough hygiene;
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
- cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, and
- if unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people).
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Help reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection by avoiding close contact with people you do not live with by
- avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others
- keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and other people where possible.
- avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people
There is no need to bulk-buy products at supermarkets including toilet paper, paracetamol and canned food.
It is prudent for households to have a small stock of non-perishable groceries to cover the event that in the coming months the household has been asked to self-isolate for 14 days. However, it’s important to note the role of family and friends in supporting those in isolation.
WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR COUNCIL
Residents are requested to rethink whether they need to come into Council offices for day to day transactions such as payments of rates, applications and general requests. Online options are available via Council’s website or Council can be contacted by phone 1300 459 689 or email mail@cgrc.nsw.nsw.gov.au during office hours. For out of hours emergencies, residents can still contact Council by phone 1300 459 689.
If you are ill, please do not visit a Council venue.
WHAT COUNCIL IS DOING NOW
Council is ensuring that our facilities and workplaces are COVID safe;
- Council staff have implemented good personal hygiene practices.
- Council staff are sanitising benches, keyboards and counters in public facing areas including customer service areas as appropriate.
- Council staff have implemented additional cleaning within touchpoints of all public spaces.
- Council will put into place enhanced handwashing reminders in all public facilities.
- Council staff will be wearing gloves and/or using hand sanitiser when handling cash.
- Councillors and Council Staff are not attending work related conferences or gatherings or participating in non-essential face to face meetings.
To stay up to date on the latest information go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19