South Burnett Regional Council to close front counter services following government restrictions
South Burnett Regional Council takes the health and safety of our staff and community members very seriously. Following the latest Australian Government restrictions, we wish to advise that all South Burnett Regional Council Customer Service Centres and Administration Offices will be closed to the public as of close of business this afternoon, Monday 30 March 2020 to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
CEO Mark Pitt has advised that Council continues to monitor and respond to an ever changing situation.
“With the health and safety of our community remaining paramount, Council will now conduct business over the telephone or online rather than face-to-face”, Mr Pitt said.
Community members are urged to contact Council via phone or email for general business or payments. Council’s Customer Service team is available for support via phone on 1300 789 279 / 4189 9100 or online via info@southburnett.qld.gov.au or Council’s website www.southburnett.qld.gov.au. Face to face meetings will be conducted by appointment only. In addition, Council will provide secure document drop-off points by arrangement through one of our customer service representatives. Council staff will continue to work within a risk management framework to provide services.
Council’s office located in Blackbutt will continue to provide assistance on behalf of Services Australia (formerly known as Centrelink) and Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) providing a one-stop-shop for Government services. “We understand that at this time these services are in demand within our local community and with the support of the staff working at the Blackbutt office, we will continue to deliver these services at this time”, Mr Pitt said. The Blackbutt office will be open from Tuesday 31 March - 9am to 2pm offering Services Australia assistance and 9am to 4pm offering QGAP services, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Although our front counters are now closed to the public, Council will continue ‘business as usual’ to ensure essential core services are provided, with our focus on waste management services, water and waste water, roads maintenance and infrastructure maintenance. Council has continuity plans in place to try to minimise the impact to the region over coming months and, through the LDMG, continues to liaise with relevant authorities and will advise on any changes as they occur.
Council will continue to operate in accordance with Queensland Health advice. Information on recommendations from the Australian Government regarding Non-essential business, activity and undertaking Closure Direction (No.3) can be found at the following link https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers
Council urges all residents to join us with ‘flattening the curve’ by ensuring hygiene practices are in place and minimising contact where possible. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your understanding and cooperation during this time.
Members of the community are encouraged to keep informed on the latest health advice at www.health.qld.gov.au, phoning 13 HEALTH or visiting Council’s website COVID-19 page or Council’s Facebook page for further information.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding these arrangements, please contact Council by phone on 4189 9100 or email Council.
