MAYORAL MINUTE NO 8/2021
COVID-19 UPDATE AND POSTPONEMENT OF LG ELECTIONS 27 JULY 2021
Councillors,
COVID-19 continues to impact all of us, both locally and globally. As of 8pm on Monday, 26 July, 172 new cases of COVID-19 were detected within New South Wales, including 54 in Western Sydney. These figures are a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant and keep following the advice from the NSW Department of Health.
I want to thank those community members who are doing the right thing, following the rules and remaining at home to prevent the further spread of the virus. The Delta strain is highly transmissible, which means we must do everything we can to protect ourselves and others. I urge residents to keep in contact with family or friends, but only online or with a phone call, and to limit their movement during this critical time.
In the interests of community safety, Council has had to make some difficult decisions, including the postponement of the Orange Blossom Festival main event. Many people, including myself, look forward to this annual event, however while we are working hard to find a way to deliver a COVID-19 safe festival as restrictions ease, it is difficult to imagine that a large scale event will be possible in the foreseeable future.
For similar reasons, the Local Government Elections have also been postponed until Saturday, December 4. I applaud the Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock for her decision. In light of the current situation, and to prevent large gatherings, it was necessary.
I’m proud of Council’s efforts to continue delivering essential services throughout lockdown.
We are offering as many services as possible online and over the phone, and I’d like to thank residents for using these methods. There is no doubt that the business community is also suffering and I encourage local businesses to access the support offered by the NSW Government, and residents to ‘buy local’ wherever possible.
Many people in our community will be feeling overwhelmed by what is happening around them. Supporting each other is essential, and I am grateful for those organisations such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline and Kids Helpline that are on call to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I encourage anyone who may need support to access these invaluable services.
As always, our frontline workers including health care staff, teachers and emergency services are doing a tremendous job in the circumstances. I know Councillors will want to join me in wholeheartedly thanking them for their commitment to keeping the wheels of our community turning.
Councillors, we have learned first-hand that there’s no rule book for this type of unprecedented event. If we all continue to observe the rules, follow the Public Health Orders and work to keep ourselves and each other safe, I believe we can get through this. My hope is that the numbers begin to decline and we can return to normal duties as restrictions ease.
Motion:
Accordingly, I move:
1. This Mayoral Minute be received.
Dr Michelle Byrne MAYOR
