COUNCIL FACILITIES CLOSED, BUT STILL DELIVERING ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Kerbside rubbish collection, water and sewer treatment, saleyard operations, customer experience and ranger services continue during the current lock down orders, with COVIDSafe practices and restrictions in place. Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is updating information about its day-to-day operations on its website, and will continue advising the community when changes are required. DRC CEO Murray Wood says staff are working from home where possible, and frontline staff essential to the operation of Council are still working in a COVIDSafe environment.
“While our Customer Experience Centres are closed to the public, staff are still answering phone calls, and responding to requests lodged via DRC&Me. Likewise with our Visitor Information Centres and other tourism facilities, which remain closed to visitors. Staff at these facilities are still taking phone calls and assisting people who may have had bookings previously. We’re here to help and continue offering vital services to the Dubbo community – in a safe way – during this time,” said Mr Wood.
Something the community may be considering doing this weekend while in lockdown is doing a big cleanout and taking their rubbish to Council’s waste facilities. While our kerbside collection service will continue as usual, under the NSW Government's Health Order, no member of the public with a kerbside bin collection service should be visiting a recycling or waste management facility as it is not an essential reason for leaving your home. “Only rural waste customers will be able to enter our facilities, and there will be a license check to determine eligibility of residents to enter the facility. Non-essential customers will be turned away from all Dubbo Regional Council waste facilities. This is to ensure the safety of our staff, and to comply with Public Health Orders,” said Mr Wood.
The Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets (DRLM) will continue operating as an essential agricultural service; however, there are restrictions on who will be permitted entry. The only people who should be visiting the DRLM are staff, registered buyers, stock and station agents, and truck drivers. All of Council’s parks and open spaces, including leash-free areas remain open for exercise under the current restrictions, but visitors are reminded to use QR codes to check in when they’re available. All barbecues and drinking fountains have been turned off, and campgrounds operated by DRC are also closed during the lockdown. Campgrounds have been closed because it is difficult to keep track of who is coming and going from the grounds, and camping is not considered an essential activity under the current Public Health Orders.
“We also recognise the importance of facilities like the Macquarie Regional Library for the mental health and wellbeing of our community, which is why its online services will continue operating, along with Library At Your Door, despite the physical libraries being closed to visitors for the lockdown.”
Other essential services, which are operating with restrictions, include the animal shelter and ranger services. Rangers are continuing to respond to emergency calls, and if you need to collect or drop off a pet, you will need to ring ahead to make an appointment before attending. A contactless service will be provided, with cash-only transactions and check-in requirements. The business community is also being supported, with Council’s Economic Development and Marketing team contacting local businesses to help them understand what is required of them during the lockdown.
For the latest information about what facilities are open, and what restrictions are in place, visit Council’s website for more information. The Showground remains open for testing this week, and the community is urged to continue coming forward to get tested.
Last Edited: 17 Jul 2023