Community Update 24 April - COVID-19. The latest news from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council No images? Click here Your community updateWe've had positive news from both NSW state and federal governments over this last week in relation to our progress in reducing the spread of COVID-19 both nationally, and within NSW. It's welcome news for many.While it's certainly good news, it's important we all remain vigilant and continue to adhere to the advice and guidelines - to ensure we keep our community healthy and safe. COVID-19 Recovery Working GroupA new COVID-19 Recovery Working Group has now been established to focus on paving the way forward for our community. We've established a new COVID-19 Recovery Working Group which brings together community leaders and representatives from across the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area. The Recovery Working Group's objectives will focus on how we can successfully recover from the COVID-19 health crisis - economically, socially and culturally. This new Working Group, Chaired by Council's General Manager Craig Swift McNair, had its first meeting on Thursday 23 April. Emerging discussion themes included how bringing forward capital works projects may activate the economy, what role the education sector might play in upskilling and retraining, and how retail and hospitality have adapted. Look out for more information in coming weeks. Rates Hardship AssistanceMany of our customers will be receiving Rates Notices this week. Whilst these are being sent at the usual time to meet our legislative obligations, we acknowledge that at this time, many in our community are experiencing financial difficulty. Whether you're a resident, or business owner, you may be eligible to apply for rate relief assistance. Because everyone's situation is different, if you have been financially impacted by COVID-19, please submit our Hardship Rate Relief Application Form and our Customer Service Team will be in touch with you to discuss your specific circumstances. We'll work with you to find a solution to help. If you need to get in touch call 02 6581 8111 or email council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au Council services and amenities updateOur services and operations continue to be revised to respond to the continuing health crisis and government advice. Here's the latest changes to our services and amenities. Beach car parks to reopenWith school holidays coming to an end this weekend, in consultation with NSW Police, we’ll be reopening our beach car parks on Monday 27 April. Many people may be heading back to work and kids will be restarting online learning which will mean there’s less temptation to be gathering in our public spaces. We’ve been working closely with the Police, and together we’ve been pleased to see our community adhering to the closures and social distancing. Limits on public gatheringsThere are still restrictions in place for public gatherings and social distancing. So, if you're out and about doing your essential shopping, or using public spaces for exercise purposes, please ensure you're complying with the appropriate guidelines...and keep moving. Continuing to deliver for our communityWhile our customer-facing service centres are currently closed, we're still 'open for business' and continuing to deliver for our community. Water Restrictions now liftedWater restrictions have been lifted, effective 17 April. The move from Level 2 'High' Water Restrictions, to general water conservation measures is a result of strong and consistent rainfall throughout the region, combined with a reduction in water use, and optimal conditions for pumping from the Hastings River into the two storage dams at Cowarra and Port Macquarie. Thank you to everyone in our community who has gotten on board during water restrictions. We’ve seen a consistent reduction in water use in both residents and commercial users. While this is great news, we encourage everyone to continue to reduce water use, and implement water saving initiatives inside and outside your home or business, to help conserve water for our future. Get food smart and avoid wasteReducing food waste can save you money, time and our environment. Join our FREE Food Smart program and learn how you can reduce food waste. You’ll receive a Food Smart kit with resources to get you on your way to reducing food waste. Celebrating Youth WeekDo you have a creative 12-25 year old at home? Join our Youth Week PMHChallenge for a chance to WIN some great prizes for the winner and their school. We're looking for youth who can think outside the box: to create artwork, compose a song, write a poem or create a mobile app The Challenge begins on 1 April 2020 and ends at 11:59pm AEST on 15 May 2020. Find out how to get involved. ANZAC Day CommemorationsLet's stand together 'virtually' and 'Light up the Dawn' to honour our ANZACs' service. We invite you and your family to get involved. This Saturday 25 April is ANZAC Day, with 2020 marking 75 years since the end of World War 2. It's an important and historic day for our country, and many in our very own community. We’re encouraging people throughout the Port Macquarie-Hastings to stand at their front door, balcony or driveway at 6:00am on Saturday morning - with a lit candle. If you have music handy, you may even play the Last Post from your front yard at this time. RSL NSW also invite you to join in with your family Saturday morning to watch the televised NSW ANZAC Day Service. It will be broadcast live at 10:00am on ABC TV and streamed the ANZAC Memorial Facebook page, How you can continue to do business with us.Call our Customer Call Centre on 6581 8111 Send us an email to council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au Visit us at pmhc.nsw.gov.au COVID-19 - stay up to date and in the know.The Australian Government has released new digital support this week with the info you need to know about Coronavirus, including an online symptom checker, the latest health advice and news, and additional services info. There's also a new WhatsApp Channel with up to date information and guidance on Australia's response.
More info, visit health.gov.au
Let's work together to keep our community healthy and safe!Stay connected and up to date with Council newsVisit our Website at pmhc.nsw.gov.au Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/pmhc2444 Watch us on YouTube at youtube.com/pmhcouncil Tweet us on Twitter at twitter.com/pmhcouncil |