March 18, 2020 Following our initial update yesterday, Gunnedah Shire Council is continuing to review health advice regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and has put in place changes to meet guidelines for public safety. Gunnedah Shire Council general manager Eric Groth said Council was continuing to monitor the NSW Health site www.health.nsw.gov.au and liaising with other government agencies to ensure a best practice response. Gunnedah Shire residents are encouraged to make Council payments online and use phone…

March 19, 2020 Gunnedah Shire Council has taken a proactive approach to the current pandemic, and has set up a Coronavirus Response Strategy to provide direction for navigating the unprecedented situation. Council has also formed a specialised Continuity Management Team to monitor the changing situation and meet the challenges presented by the Coronavirus as best we can. The team is reviewing advice daily from NSW Health and the Australian Government Department of Health to ensure…

March 20, 2020 Gunnedah Shire Council’s Continuity Management Team continues to keep a close eye on Coronavirus pandemic developments. Through its Coronavirus Response Strategy, Council is constantly reviewing the latest information from health and government authorities to ensure we are across any new developments. Our priorities are the health and welfare of Gunnedah Shire residents and the continuation of Gunnedah’s essential services provided by Council. We strongly urge people to contact council by phone (02)…

Afternoon Update 23 March, 2020 Further changes will come into effect for Gunnedah Shire Council services tomorrow as precautions increase against the Coronavirus pandemic. Following the Federal Government’s announcement of stricter measures, Council is encouraging people to use non-contact communication such as email, the internet and telephoning to carry out their council business. Tomorrow: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Elgin Street administration building will be closed to the public, but people can still fill in forms, find information,…

March 24, 2020 Gunnedah Shire Council continues to move into the orange stage of its yellow-orange-red Coronavirus Response Strategy while looking for ways to ease the stress on those already feeling the financial strain. At an extraordinary meeting today, Gunnedah Shire Councillors endorsed a move to freeze interest accrual against rates, fees and charges that are currently outstanding or may become outstanding from today. Council also agreed to cease the escalation of any outstanding accounts…

March 24, 2020 From Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey: Like the rest of Australia, Gunnedah Shire has been preparing itself for difficult days ahead. It’s an uncertain time and we all have a role to play to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our Shire. Our entire community has been under continual pressure since 2016, and has shown remarkable resilience in drought. Our community has shown their genuine strength in not only battling through, but…

25 March, 2020 Gunnedah Shire Council is urging residents to continue taking all possible precautions against Coronavirus. “A calm, considered approach is the key to staying safe and healthy at this time,” Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said. “Observe social distancing, take hygiene precautions and always keep others in mind if you are out and about. This is something we need to deal with as a community who look out for each other.…

26 March, 2020 Gunnedah Shire Council’s response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be guided by the latest advice from Commonwealth and State authorities. According to NSW Health there are several cases in the New England North West area, including 7 confirmed cases in the Tamworth Regional Council area and additional cases in the Narrabri Shire and Liverpool Plains Shire. In light of this it is critical to observe all health and government…

27 March, 2020 As we approach the end of the second major week of the Coronavirus pandemic in Australia, Gunnedah Shire Council wishes to thank the majority of the community for their flexibility and understanding during this unprecedented situation. Many Gunnedah Shire services and facilities have closed their doors to in-person contact. Despite these new challenges it is heartening to see Gunnedah Shire residents quickly adapting to this new way of life. The community has…

March 30, 2020 Gunnedah Shire residents have been urged to follow increased Australian Government measures to halt the spread of Coronavirus. As uncertain times continue, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said now was the time people could help make a difference to the trajectory of the virus. “The message is clear – if you can stay home, stay home,” Cr Chaffey said. “This is a really tough time for our people and our businesses. I…