With Greater Sydney and the Illawarra under continued lockdown restrictions, Wingecarribee Shire Council has introduced further proactive Covid-safe procedures to help limit staff movement and protect customers.
Central to the latest measures introduced is the temporary limitation on face-to-face contact.
Council's General Manager Lisa Miscamble said Council was continuing to deliver core Council services despite the Covid disruptions.
"Many of our office-based staff have returned to working from home arrangements which means some of our public facing service areas are now operating with reduced staff," she said.
Council's Moss Vale Civic Centre Customer Service Centre and Resource Recovery Centre are two facilities which remain open with only minimal staff.
The General Manager said Council had upgraded the organisation's online capabilities following last year's initial lockdown.
"In some instances, this has required us to slightly modify how we operate," she said. "But in most cases, it has enabled us to continue to assist our customers without any major discernable change to service."
Essential household waste collection services for example are unaffected however people wishing to view or collect animals at the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter must phone ahead on 4868 1520 to book an appointment.
The Mobile Library van has also returned to a 'Click and Collect' service and Bowral Public Library remains open with a range of Covid-safe programs and events still scheduled to proceed.
"Where possible we'll continue to offer as many of our regular in-person and online children's activities," Ms Miscamble said. "Library service staff recommend patrons regularly check the website for the latest updates."
The Mittagong-based Southern Highlands Welcome Centre has however closed until at least Friday 30 July 2021.
Ms Miscamble encouraged customers needing to contact Council to consider using online or telephone services in the first instance.
"These measures are in-line with the most recent health orders from the State Government," she said. "We understand they may be inconvenient but the health and safety of our employees, their families and our community remain our number one priority."
The latest Council measures follows last week's introduction of weekly Covid testing of essential Council employees and contractors who are required to travel into the Shire for work.
"We're confident that by working together we'll be able to welcome everybody back as soon as it is safe to do so."
To view Council's full range of contact options visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/Council/Contact-Us.
To see all the proposed Library events and activities, visit library.wsc.nsw.gov.au or to contact the team at Destination Southern Highlands, visit www.visitsouthernhighlands.com.au/about-us/contact-the-welcome-center.
For the latest COVID-19 updates including advice, restrictions and details on the NSW Government's financial support packages for individuals, households and businesses, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.
