The Victorian Government has announced all of Victoria including Golden Plains Shire will move to circuit breaker restrictions from 11.59pm tonight, Thursday 27 May, 2021 until 11.59pm, Thursday 3 June, 2021.
In line with the Government's new restrictions, Golden Plains Shire Council has implemented a number of changes to its operations to reduce the risks to residents, staff and volunteers.
Essential Council Services
Council’s essential services will continue to operate during the lockdown including:
- Kindergarten
- Family Day Care
- Maternal and Child Health
- Active Ageing & Inclusion Services
- Outdoor Works (working on site)
- Recycling and waste collection
For ratepayers part of the four-payment rates instalment plan, the fourth and final instalment is due on Monday 31 May, 2021. However, late payment of rates will not incur interest during the government's mandatory shut down. Payments can still be made via BPay or at Council’s website here during the circuit breaker lockdown. To discuss your current rates situation, call our Rates team on 5220 7111 for a confidential conversation.
Closed and Open During Lockdown
As per the Victorian Government restrictions, these locations will close during the lockdown:
- Customer Service Centres in Bannockburn and Smythesdale
- Customers are still able to contact the Customer Service team by:
- Phone: 5220 7111
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/portal
- Libraries including Bannockburn Library and the mobile library
- Community centres including Bannockburn Cultural Centre, The Well at Smythesdale and Meredith Community Centre
- Outdoor recreation reserves and indoor recreation centres
- Outdoor gym/exercise equipment
- Skate and bike parks
- Campgrounds
- Rokewood Transfer Station
Note: Outdoor playgrounds will remain open and Council’s waste collection will operate as usual.
Postponed and cancelled events
Under the circuit breaker restrictions, public gatherings are not permitted.
- Council’s planned in-person engagements for the Northern Streetscape Project on Saturday 29 May will be postponed until Saturday 5 June, dependent on easing of restrictions.
- Next week’s Smythesdale, Inverleigh and Bannockburn Youth Groups are cancelled. This afternoon’s Bannockburn Youth Group will go-ahead with social distancing and hygiene measures.
- The Golden Plains Farmers’ Market scheduled for 5 June will continue, dependent on easing of restrictions.
For more information on changes to Council's services, operations and facilities, click here.
Circuit Breaker Restrictions
Under the circuit breaker lockdown, there are only five reasons to leave home:
- Food and supplies
- Authorised work
- Care and caregiving
- Exercise
- Getting vaccinated
Exercise and shopping will be limited to five kilometres from your home. If there are no shops in your 5km radius, you can travel to the ones closest to you. Shopping is limited to one person per day, per household.
Masks must be worn at all time indoors and outdoors (except at home) and there are no private or public gatherings, however visiting an intimate partner and single person bubbles are allowed.
For more information on all circuit breaker restrictions, visit the Victorian Government’s Coronavirus website here.
For up-to-date information on the status of Council’s services, facilities and events, click here.