Cumberland City Council has announced additional strict measures to help contain the spread of coronavirus.
Council’s libraries will be closing to the public until further notice and several non-essential services and events have been cancelled.
“With more cases confirmed across Australia, we are taking necessary measures to ensure that we comply with directions at a federal and state level,” said Mayor Steve Christou.
“The Prime Minister and the NSW Minister for Health have announced strict measures, which include cancelling any events or gatherings where more than 100 people will attend, and increasing sanitisation and hygiene protocols.”
As of Wednesday night (18 March 2020) Council has determined the following actions:
Council libraries will close to the public from Monday, 23 March 2020.
- The ‘Learn to Swim’ program which runs out of Council’s aquatic centres is suspended until further notice. Note all pools remain open for general public use.
- Citizenship Ceremonies have been cancelled until further notice.
- No events or bookings will be accepted for the Holroyd Centre, Central Gardens, Holroyd Gardens or Auburn Botanic Gardens.
Council-led events that have been cancelled and will not proceed this year include:
- Youth Week
- Ramadan Street Food Festival
- Fun 4 Kids ‘Warali Wali' Naidoc Event
- Refugee Camp in my neighbourhood; and
- Anzac Day events where Council assists the RSL sub branches with their activities.
In relation to the Cherry Blossom Festival, which is usually held in August, Council will make a decision on whether to proceed, closer to the date.
All non-essential community, sport, and youth programs have been cancelled until further notice.
Essential services such as Meals on Wheels will continue at this stage.
Child care services will continue operating as normal, and will be closely monitored in accordance with any determination made in relation to schools across NSW.
Any capital works that have not been committed will be deferred to offset the loss of revenue anticipated as a result of these measures. This will not affect routine maintenance and repairs.
Working from home arrangements for Council staff will be implemented where feasible to minimise risks to business continuity.
“I know that some of these measures will inconvenience residents but the health and safety of the community is our priority and we will take whatever actions are within our power to keep people safe,” said Mayor Christou.
“I want to reassure our residents that Council’s essential services will continue to be delivered. Bins will be collected and our Contact Centre will remain open to answer the calls of the community.
“I encourage people to show compassion and care to each other during this very difficult and uncertain time and do your best to stay safe and healthy.”
