Mildura Council working to keep services running

MILDURA Council says it is working hard to ensure services continue amid “unprecedented challenges” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council has activated its Communicable Disease Pandemic Plan, which addresses general pandemic planning, and provides resources to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), state and federal authorities and the wider Mildura community.

Mildura Mayor Simon Clemence said it was also vital the community continued to adhere to strict measures put in place by lead agencies to ensure the spread of coronavirus was minimised.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed our lives, and will continue to do so for many more months,” he said.

“A number of residents have already been negatively affected by measures put in place by our state and Commonwealth governments, and while these are necessary steps to ensure the safety of the broader community, it does not ease the pain as people are forced to close their businesses, or isolate themselves from family and friends.

“We must support one another, care for one another, and above all else, do everything we can to limit the spread of this virus.”

Cr Clemence said the council was committed to continuing services deemed essential, this includes maternal and child health, waste management, immunisations, and aged and disability services.

“Service continuity will continue to be assessed against current government advice and guidelines, with changes to be adopted and communicated to the public as necessary,” he said.

“While council service centres are currently closed to the public, our dedicated customer service team is still contactable by phone and email.”

Residents are also urged to practice good personal hygiene including washing hands often, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly.

“I cannot stress how important it is for our community to follow the social distancing, hygiene and health protocols currently in place. By doing so, we will continue to protect one another,” Cr Clemence said.

Mildura Council’s Communicable Disease Pandemic Plan aims to:

– Minimise and contain the spread of COVID-19 in the region

– Manage Council’s response through community and employee protection

– Keep the community informed about measures being taken by Council, and lead agencies, to combat the outbreak

– Maintain essential Council services

– Activate community support and recovery measures

– Implement risk mitigation measures, such as vaccination, as and when they become available

– Key advice is also being shared with the public through Council’s website and social media channels to ensure residents are well informed of what is required to limit the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.