On Wednesday, the Victorian Government announced restrictions in regional Victoria, including Golden Plains Shire, will ease from 11.59pm today, Thursday 9 September, 2021.
In line with these changes and remaining restrictions, Golden Plains Shire Council will implement a number of changes to its operations.
ESSENTIAL COUNCIL SERVICES
Council’s essential services will continue to operate including:
- Kindergarten
- Family Day Care
- Maternal and Child Health
- Active Ageing & Inclusion Services
- Outdoor Works (working on site)
- Recycling and waste collection
Council operated kindergarten, family day care and occasional care services will re-open to all residents in regional Victoria (except Greater Shepparton) from 8.30am, Friday 10 September.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
In line with COVID-19 restrictions, Council’s Customer Service Centres in Bannockburn and Smythesdale will reopen at 8.30am, Friday 10 September. Consultations will be available with staff, including from the Planning and Rates teams.
As per the restrictions, all visitors to a Customer Service Centre will need to wear a face mask, sign in using the QR codes, practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene. Hand sanitiser will be available at each Customer Service Centre.
With restrictions still applying, ratepayers and visitors who reside in Melbourne or Greater Shepparton are unable to visit a Customer Service Centre at this time. The Customer Service team will check IDs, reflecting the Victorian Government requirements for businesses and restaurants, and Council appreciates the cooperation and understanding of our residents as we comply with this government directive.
Customers are still be able to contact the Customer Service team remotely by:
- Phone: 5220 7111
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/portal
CHANGES TO EVENTS, ENGAGEMENTS AND PROGRAMS:
Golden Plains Community Bus
The Golden Plains Community Bus will resume its regular timetable with COVIDSafe measures in place from Tuesday 14 September, following the end of the current lockdown for regional Victoria. To read the timetable and book a seat, click here.
Youth Groups and Activities
While Council’s in-person youth spaces and programs are not currently operating due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Youth Development team have created a series of weekly online activities to support young people to connect and have fun.
The series includes a variety of activities to meet a diverse range of needs and interests, and local young people aged 12 to 17 are encouraged to attend. All activities are free and will run from 4.30pm to 5.30pm on:
- Tuesdays: Creative Workshops with Samantha Thompson
- Wednesdays: Online Gaming
- Thursdays: Online Trivia
- Fridays: Get Active with Pulse Fitness Bannockburn (4.30 to 5pm)
The online series runs until Friday 24 September.
For more information, click here or contact the Youth Development Team via [email protected] or call / text 0422 101 109.
COUNCIL’S FACILITIES
The following facilities which were closed during the lockdown will also reopen from tomorrow, Friday 10 September:
- Bannockburn Cultural Centre and The Smythesdale Well community centres
- Outdoor exercise equipment
- Outdoor recreation reserves
- Skate and bike parks
- The Digital Hub
- Rokewood Transfer Station (reopening Sunday 12 September)
- The Bannockburn Library and Golden Plains Mobile Library operated by Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC)
All sites will be subject to density limits in line with the remaining COVID-19 restrictions. Visitors should familiarise themselves with these restrictions and remember to wear a mask, practice 1.5m physical distancing and hand hygiene.
Outdoor playgrounds are open, following their reopening from 11.59pm, Thursday 2 September. Indoor recreation facilities and campgrounds remain closed.
For more information on changes to Council's services, operations and facilities, click here.
For the full list of remaining restrictions, visit the Victorian Government’s Coronavirus website.