Over the weekend, neighbouring local government areas City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire joined City of Ballarat in a seven-day lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19.
While Golden Plains Shire is not in lockdown, the lockdowns on these surrounding areas directly affects many community members across the Shire who travel to Ballarat, Geelong or the Surf Coast for services, shopping or work.
As a result of the lockdowns in Ballarat, Geelong and the Surf Coast, Council has made some changes to its services.
Customer Service
Council’s Customer Service Centres in Bannockburn and Smythesdale remain open to Golden Plains Shire residents and ratepayers residing in non-locked down regional Victoria. Due to the impact on staffing from the lockdowns in City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire, consultations with Council officers from the Rates, Planning and Local Laws teams are not available in-person, however phone consultations are available. Residents are encouraged to call 5220 7111 to speak with a member of these teams.
Ratepayers who reside in Melbourne, City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire are unable to visit a Customer Service Centre at this time. The Customer Service team will continue to check IDs, reflecting the Victorian Government guidelines for businesses and restaurants, and Council appreciates the cooperation and understanding of our residents.
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
Outdoor Works and Construction Projects
The lockdowns in surrounding local government areas and the current restrictions on construction sites will impact activity on road and community infrastructure projects in Golden Plains Shire this week. Construction will resume as soon as possible, in line with the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 restrictions. Council thanks residents for their understanding.
Golden Plains Community Bus
The Golden Plains Community Bus will not operate during the current lockdowns in City of Ballarat and City of Greater Geelong. Should both lockdowns end after the planned seven days, the northern bus will resume service from Thursday 23 September, and the southern bus to resume from Tuesday 28 September, both with COVIDSafe measures in place. To read the timetable and book a seat, click here.
Restrictions
During the seven-day lockdown, residents from regional Victoria, including from Golden Plains Shire, must not travel to the City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire, other than for permitted reasons. These include:
- for authorised work or permitted education
- to visit an intimate partner
- for care and compassionate reasons, including permitted child minding
- to access necessary goods and services provided they are from the facility that is closest to where you live
- other limited reasons such as moving house
While in these areas for the above reasons, residents of regional Victoria must comply with the lockdown restrictions. For the full details, visit the Victorian Government’s Coronavirus website or call the 24-hour COVID-19 hotline at 1800 675 398.