Focus on Essential Services as neighbouring Councils lockdown
Published on 09 August 2021
The latest COVID-19 restrictions introduced into the Armidale and Tamworth regions have brought a shift in focus for neighbouring Uralla Shire, home to 6,000 residents and located between the two larger councils.
Although the Uralla local government area is not included in the lockdown restrictions, much of the community, including Council staff, are affected by the order as they have been in the Armidale region since 29 July 2021, and may have been in Tamworth, too.
Consequently, Council’s General Manager Kate Jessep has met online with the Mayor and senior staff to review service delivery and is announcing a shift of focus for the week beginning today, Monday 9 August.
“Our essential services remain our first priority. Council’s residential aged care facility, its community care, water, waste, sewer, parks, ranger and road teams will all continue to operate in a COVIDsafe manner,” said Ms Jessep.
“To protect our aged care residents, the health directive stopping all on-premise visitors to Aged Care facilities is being applied to McMaugh Gardens. Family members and friends are encouraged to continue phone calls, and online visits with residents are available between 9am and 4pm weekdays.”
“Our Customer Service Centre, Uralla Library and the Visitor Information Centre will shift to telephone and online enquiries only. If you’re not sure if your enquiry can be resolved online, give Council a call and we will help you.”
One of the key reasons behind the changes was a staffing challenge, with many staff having visited a neighbouring LGA sometime since 29 July.
“We have a number of staff members impacted by the lockdown who need to transition to work from home arrangements this week,” Ms Jessep said.
Mayor Pearce recognised the impact that the neighbouring Councils' restrictions would have on the community.
“Many of us visit the Armidale and Tamworth regions regularly, so this week we will emerge from our homes only when absolutely necessary. And for those who aren’t officially under these lockdown restrictions, I am confident that the community understands the gravity of the situation in our neighbouring regions and will be delaying any unnecessary outings in any case.”
Members of Uralla Library have access to a large number of eBooks and digital resources through their partnership with Central Northern Inland regional library network.
“It’s a great time to explore the library’s online offerings,” Mayor Pearce said.
“Uralla’s parks, playground and sporting facilities remain open to be enjoyed, too, and we ask people to ensure they remember to abide by social distancing guidelines, hygiene and applicable mask wearing rules.”
Residents can familiarise themselves with the relevant rules at: nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules
Council can be contacted on (02) 6778 6300, or via council@uralla.nsw.gov.au. Visit the website to see what services are available online: uralla.nsw.gov.au.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Heidi McElnea, Communications Officer
hmcelnea@uralla.nsw.gov.au | 0407 448 532 | 6778 6300