Murrindindi Shire Chief Executive Officer Craig Lloyd has told his Council about the work being done in regard to the Coronavirus Pandemic:

“ The focus of Council’s work in the last fortnight has been on halting the spread of the Coronavirus within Murrindindi Shire,” Mr Lloyd told the meeting held at the Yea Shire Hall on Wed. (Mar. 25).

“Our priority has been to put in place measures to keep staff and the community safe, while continuing to provide critical services within the Shire.

“To that end, Council has enacted its Pandemic plan which has helped us to maintain business continuity throughout this period.

“Council has been active in engaging the community about changes to its services, and also communicating health advice and governments restrictions to our community via multiple platforms and means.

“In line with government advice:
• we are encouraging our community members to stay at home to help stop the spread of this disease
• we also find ourselves in the unprecedented position of asking visitors to stay away from our Shire is difficult for us, but is a necessary step to help halt the spread of the disease will become more difficult as we close more recreation and other facilities to the public new rules banning congregating in both enclosed and open spaces are affecting business and activities in our Shire.
• many events and activities in the Shire have been cancelled or postponed.

“We know local businesses are hurting and we are taking steps to assist where we can

“We have been working closely with the Victorian Government to ensure the needs of regional areas are considered in pandemic planning, including the needs of small rural business.

“We are also working to support those who are isolated or required to self-quarantine.

• We have put out a call to the community to volunteer their time and resources in the event the government seeks assistance to coordinate and deliver essential goods to those who need them.
• We know individuals are also hurting. We have put in place measures to help those having difficulty paying their rates at this time.
• On March 23 we moved to a working from home model for the majority of our staff, to minimise the risk of contagion among staff and more broadly for the community.

“I would like to express my thanks to staff and management at Council for their responsiveness, adaptability and willingness to help the community through this difficult time.

“I would urge everyone to stay current with information from the health authorities and the Government about Coronavirus.

“And to please observe health advice and the measures being brought it to keep us all safe.

“We will get through this. As a Shire we have been through tough times before and our community came out stronger. We will keep working to make sure that this is the case this time.

“Please Stay Home and stay safe.”