In line with State Government directions, Southern Grampians Shire will return to Stage three restrictions from 11:59pm Wednesday 5 August 2020.
We will be making the following changes to services provided by Council:
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE – Brown Street: Our Customer service centre in Brown Street will remain open. Residents are however encouraged to make enquiries via phone 03 55730 444 or email council@sthgrampians.vic.edu.au where possible.
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE – Market Place: Our Market Place Customer service centre, will be closed to the public. Staff will remain onsite from 8.15am-5.00pm Monday-Friday. Residents wishing to meet with the planning, building or local laws departments are required to phone 03 55730 257 to make an appointment. Those needing to pay for permits are also requested to call this number to arrange payment.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES: Visitor Information Centres located throughout the Shire will be closed.
CULTURAL SERVICES: Hamilton Gallery, Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Greater Hamilton Library (including the mobile library) and the Hamilton Cinema will be closed. All scheduled programs and events, including school holiday programs, will not proceed at this point.
COUNCIL MEETINGS AND ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS: Council Meetings will be held virtually and streamed live via our Facebook page. Any planned Council engagement sessions will not proceed.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre (and all associated facilities and programs including Vitality Gym) will be closed.
HAMILTON REGIONAL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE (HRLX): Will remain operational however access to HRLX weekly sales will be limited to buyers, stock agents, transport operators and council staff. The general public will not be able to attend, even if they are sellers at the sale.
WASTE SERVICES: No changes will be made to kerbside collection services. Transfer stations in Hamilton and townships will be remain open. Electronic payments only will be accepted.
YOUTH AND CHILDCARE SERVICES: Occasional Care Services will close along with the closure of HILAC as the centre will not be accessible to the general public.
Family Day Care is to remain available unless the Department of Education advises that the service should not be operated. We will advise educators and families if this status changes.
The L2P program will continue at this point, with strict hygiene protocols in place.
PLAYGROUNDS AND SKATE PARKS: Playgrounds and skate parks across the Shire will be closed.
MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH: Council will maintain the Maternal Child Health service through an appointment only basis. We ask that if you are unwell you please reschedule your appointment. Nurses will also be available for phone consultation and advice.
REGULATORY SERVICES: Market Place office will be closed to the public. Services will be by appointment only. Please contact 5573 0227.
HOME SERVICES AND COMMUNITY CARE: Home and Community Care Services will continue to operate as per normal arrangements. Communication with clients has been conducted to advise that services will continue but will potentially be modified to ensure clients and staff are protected.
MEALS ON WHEELS: This service will continue to operate as it currently is, with Council staff delivering meals instead of volunteers.
CARAVAN PARKS: Council managed caravan parks at Penshurst and Coleraine will close to tourists and new arrivals but will remain open for permanent residents.
We remind residents that face masks must be worn whenever you leave your home. This measure, along with social distancing, sanitising and only leaving home for the one of the four reasons (shopping for essential items, to provide care or receive medical treatment, for exercise or to work or study if you cannot do it from home) will give us as a community, the best chance to stop the spread and recover quickly from this pandemic.
We appreciate the community’s understanding regarding this situation and look forward to the day when we can return to a level of normality.
For up-to-date information on Councils’ response and service impacts, please refer to our Facebook page and our website www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au
For anyone with concerns around COVID-19, please refer to the Health and Human Services departmental website: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus which provides up to date and accurate information.